The helicopter pilot reported that, after an aerial application flight, he set the bucket down in a pre-determined operations zone near a semi-truck loading hopper to be refilled. He added that another truck arrived to top off the semi-truck hopper, which emitted fertilizer dust that caused the pilot concerns for his deteriorating visibility. He advised the ground crew that he was going to move out of the operations zone temporarily.

The pilot reported that he set the bucket in the new temporary operations zone. As the skid steer approached, he eased the helicopter backward to keep the other ground equipment in his view. The pilot heard a "bang", disconnected from his long-line, and landed the helicopter without further incident.

Postaccident examination revealed that the auger from the semi-truck hopper was fully extended behind the helicopter and tail rotor blade sustained substantial damage. The pilot suspected that he backed the helicopter into the extended auger.

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