20010302004559A

(-23) On March 2, 2001, at 1500 local time, a Hughes 369D helicopter N8356F was substantially damaged during a landing near Canadian, TX. The helicopter is owned and operated by knut mjolhus. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The weather conditions were VMC and a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated at a private helipad in amarillo, TX. At approx. 1414 local time. According to the pilot, he was making an approach to a high hover due to rough terrain, when the helicopter began to yaw to the right. The pilot was increasing collective to takeoff when the helicopter made "two quick revolutions". The pilot stated that he elected to land the helicopterinstead of continuing the takeoff due to power lines and rising terrain. The helicopter touched down on the soft ground while still rotating, causing the skids to separate. Subsequently the tail rotor and main rotor blade contacted the ground. Inspection revealed that the tail rotor drive shaft was twisted and separated about 6 inches forward of the tail rotor gear box. The pilot stated that he may have encountered loss of tail rotor effectiveness. (.4) on March 2, 2001, at 1500 central standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N8356F, was substantially damaged following a loss of directional control while landing near Canadian, Texas. The helicopter was owned and operated by a private individual. The airline transport pilot and both passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 business flight. The flight had originated from a private helipad near amarillo, Texas, approximately 1415. According to the pilot, he made an approach to a high hover due to the rough/uneven terrain. As he was hovering the helicopter at 40 feet AGL to a level area, the helicopter began to yaw to the right. The pilot stated that he hover taxied through his "rotor wash," and the helicopter encountered "loss of tail rotor effectiveness." He increased collective in an attempt to takeoff, and the helicopter made "two quick revolutions." The pilot stated that he elected to land the helicopter instead of continuing with the takeoff due to power lines and rising terrain. The pilot initiated an autorotation, and the helicopter touched down on the soft ground while still rotating, collapsing the left landing skid. Subsequently, the tail rotor and main rotor blades struck the ground. The helicopter came to rest leaning toward its left side. Examination of the helicopter by the FAA inspector revealed that the tail rotor drive shaft was twisted and separated about 6 inches forward of the tail rotor gearbox. The tailboom was bent and one tail rotor blade was found separated. Control continuity was confirmed from the anti-torque pedals to the tail rotor pitch change links. All five main rotor blades were damaged.