Helicopter Tail Rotor Strikes Fence During Cattle Herding Maneuver

Accident Sequence

The helicopter pilot reported flying parallel to a 10 ft barbed wire fence while herding cows into a livestock pen. During the maneuver, the helicopter's tail rotor struck the fence. The collision caused the helicopter to spin multiple times to the right. The helicopter ascended about 10 ft, and the pilot retarded the throttle and lowered the collective to the full down position in an attempt to minimize the rapid right spin. The helicopter subsequently impacted the ground and came to rest upright.

Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the tail rotor drive system and tail boom.