Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot reported that during an approach to land at a trading post, he circled the landing area multiple times to search for obstructions. While on final approach, at an altitude of approximately 20 to 25 feet above ground level, he observed multiple electrical wires directly in front of the helicopter. The pilot lowered the collective control in an attempt to avoid the wires, and the helicopter subsequently landed hard.
The hard landing resulted in substantial damage to the tailboom of the helicopter. The pilot stated that no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine occurred that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Actions
The pilot's proactive search for obstructions during the circling phase did not reveal the wires until late in the approach. Despite the corrective action of lowering the collective, the helicopter contacted the ground with excessive force.
Damage
The primary damage was to the tailboom, which sustained substantial structural deformation. No other damage was reported.
Mechanical Status
The pilot confirmed that the helicopter’s airframe and engine were functioning normally prior to the accident, with no indications of any failures or malfunctions.