Accident Overview
On January 22, 2019, at approximately 1332 central standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter (registration N947LH) impacted a helipad perimeter fence while landing near Minot, North Dakota. The helicopter was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a positioning flight, registered to and operated by Executive Air Taxi Corp. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The helicopter sustained substantial damage. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Approach and Landing
The pilot planned to land at the Trinity Medical Helipad (2ND4) to pick up a medical crew. He performed a right 180° circling approach. As he completed the turn, he believed he was slightly low on final approach and "pulled in a little collective." He applied additional collective while leveling off, and the helicopter contacted the helipad firmly. The pilot described the landing as firmer than normal but thought it was acceptable until he noticed a small vibration.
Post-Landing Inspection
Before departing with the medical crew, the pilot still felt the vibration. He shut down the helicopter to investigate. After shutdown, the crew walked toward the tail and observed a slight bend in the lower vertical fin, the tips of both tail rotor blades missing, and a small section of the helipad safety fence's edge pipe missing. Further examination revealed cracks in the tailboom structure.
Video Evidence
A review of security camera footage of the helipad showed the helicopter's tail rotor impacting the edge fencing during the landing.