What happened
On June 22, 2016, an Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3e (registration HB-ZNZ) was performing a commercial flight under visual flight rules (VFR). After transporting two workers and their equipment from a construction site at Rifugio Tomeo, the pilot landed on an unmown meadow located approximately 500 meters northeast of Broglio/TI.
While the aircraft was on the ground with the rotors still turning, the crew began unloading materials and assisting the passengers with their exit. During this process, the pilot heard a dull thud originating from the tail section of the helicopter. Simultaneously, the flight assistants observed an unidentified object being thrown away from the tail area. The pilot subsequently shut down the engine to investigate.
The investigation
An inspection of the Airbus Helicopters AS 350 B3e revealed damage to one tail rotor blade and impact marks on the right horizontal stabilizer, specifically at the tail rotor's plane of rotation.
Investigators searched the surrounding area and located a strip of damaged black plastic fabric on the grass. The surface texture of this material matched the impact marks found on both the rotor blade and the stabilizer. The investigation established that the pilot had successfully performed multiple landings at this same location earlier that day without incident.
Findings
Due to the high grass and the dark color of the plastic strip, the pilot and crew were unable to visually identify the object during the approach. It is concluded that the black plastic fabric was likely sucked into the tail rotor, causing it to strike the blade and the horizontal stabilizer before being expelled.