History of the Flight
The helicopter, an Airbus Helicopters AS 355 F2 (registration G-PDGT), departed Cumbernauld Airport in Scotland at approximately 08:41 UTC on 15 January 2025. The single pilot conducted a visual approach to Runway 26 at Ireland West Airport (EIKN). After being cleared to land, the pilot descended to a height of 10–15 ft and hover-taxied above the runway. While maneuvering at low height toward Taxiway A, the pilot reported a momentary 'kick of yaw.' The pilot then performed a 90-degree pedal turn to the right to assess the situation and advised the tower controller that something had departed the aircraft or that foreign object debris was present. The helicopter was cleared to Stand 1. After engine shutdown, the pilot observed that a section of the tail rotor driveshaft fairing was missing. The fairing was later recovered from the runway by a rescue vehicle.
Damage to the Helicopter
The tail rotor driveshaft sustained circumferential scoring at two locations: area 'A' on the aft portion was approximately 18 mm long and 0.35 mm deep; area 'B' was approximately 68 mm long and 0.31 mm deep. Six captive fasteners remained secured to the right-hand side of the tail boom. On the left-hand side, two fasteners remained attached to the fairing, four were missing, and only one was recovered. One fastener on the left side sustained damage from contact with the aft area of the tail rotor driveshaft. The fairing showed abrasion damage consistent with contact with the rotating driveshaft. The tail rotor blades sustained several areas of damage from contact with the fairing as it departed the helicopter, but both blades remained intact and attached to the hub.
Pilot Interview
The pilot reported that the purpose of the flight was to position the helicopter for powerline inspections later that day. The helicopter had been hangared overnight. A base engineer completed an After Last Flight inspection, and the pilot conducted a pre-flight check prior to departure. The pilot recalled using a torch during the pre-flight check and observed no issues. The flight was uneventful until the turn onto Taxiway A. The pilot stated that the kick of yaw occurred as he applied right pedal for the turn. He did not believe it was an aerodynamic effect but rather that the helicopter may have been struck by foreign object debris. After landing, the pilot photographed the damage and notified the operator. The pilot noted that the After Last Flight inspection would not have required removal of the tail rotor driveshaft fairing and opined that a fastener may have come loose during the flight.
Investigation
Two inspectors from the Air Accident Investigation Unit deployed to Ireland West Airport. The airport operator provided CCTV footage of the approach and hover-taxi, but the distance prevented observation of the fairing separating. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch provided CCTV footage from Cumbernauld Airport showing the helicopter being pulled out of the hangar, lifting off, and departing. No injuries were reported to the investigation.