Helicopter Strikes Pothole During Taxi, Landing Gear Collapses

Incident Details

The pilot reported that while the co-pilot was taxiing the wheel-equipped helicopter to the runway for departure, he observed a "bump" on the concrete. The co-pilot attempted to stop before the bump, which turned out to be a pothole. However, the helicopter struck the pothole with the right main landing gear, causing the gear to collapse. Both the pilot and co-pilot stated that the taxi speed was less than 5 knots.

Damage

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the internal fuselage structure as a result of the landing gear collapse.

Operator Report

The Director of Operations reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.