Incident Overview
A helicopter tour flight experienced an unusual incident when a passenger's cell phone, secured in a case, was extended outside the cabin and subsequently impacted the tail rotor, causing substantial damage.
Pre-Flight Briefing
According to the pilot, before the flight, passengers received a safety briefing. Despite the briefing, some passengers attempted to bring cell phones onboard without protective cases. The pilot then supplied cases and attached them to the passengers' wrists.
In-Flight Event
During the flight, while the helicopter was traveling at approximately 100 knots, a passenger on the right side extended her cell phone, still in the case, outside the cabin into the airflow. The cell phone and case, minus the strap, separated from the helicopter and struck the tail rotor.
Damage Assessment
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the tail rotor. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Conclusion
The incident was directly attributed to the passenger's action of extending the cell phone into the airflow, leading to its detachment and collision with the tail rotor.