Introduction
A helicopter pilot transporting a passenger to a remote drilling site experienced an accident during landing. The pilot reported that the landing was conducted into the wind, requiring a descent over bordering trees to reach the site. Upon touchdown on dirt, a "bang" was heard, followed by a gradual ground wobble. The pilot shut down the helicopter, and both occupants exited safely.
Incident Details
The pilot stated that multiple landings had been made at the same site over the previous three months. During those earlier landings, the helicopter was positioned further past the tracked drilling unit, with the steel frame always behind the aircraft. In this instance, the pilot descended over trees and the steel frame was not visible from the air.
Post-Accident Inspection
A postaccident inspection revealed substantial damage to the blue and red main rotor blades. The damage was caused by impact with a black 1.5-inch steel frame attached to the tracked drilling unit. The frame was used to mount a canvas weather shelter for drilling crews.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.