20020707015129A

(.19) On July 7, 2002, about 1200 hawaiian standard time, a Eurocopter as 350 ba, N141MK, was substantially damaged during a hard landing near Honolulu, Hawaii. The helicopter was operated by schuman aviation, ltd, under 14 CFR part 135. Neither the pilot nor the three passengers were injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a company flight plan was filed. The flight originated about 1140 from Honolulu, and was destined for a landing site near wili wili nui ridge, for repeater antenna site repairs, about 7 miles from Honolulu. According to passenger statments, the weather was good and the winds were calm. The helicopter approached slowly over a 6-foot fence and settled hard onto dirt. The tail rotor struck the ground resulting in loss of a tail rotor blade and damage to the tail boom. The aircraft rotated about 10 to 20 degrees in the dirt. The skids were not damaged. (-23) the flight departed Honolulu international airport, in VMC, at approximately 1149 HST (2149Z) Sunday, July 7, 2002 with three passengers aboard. The passengers were to be taken to a radio transmission site at the top of wiliwilinui ridge on the island of oahu (approximately 10 NM due east of t he hnl VOR). Due to low visibility at the site on top of the ridge, the PIC proceeded to a landing zone on the trail (elev. Approx. 600 ft.) to wait for the weather to improve. During final approach to the lz, just prior to touchdown, the aircraft reportedly "dropped" from a height of about six to eight feet above the ground. Although there was no apparent damage to the skids to indicate a hard landing, half of the tail rotor departed the aircraft, and the remaining half was barely attached. Skid marks on the ground indicated the aircraft apparently turned 10 to 20 degrees counterclockwise after touchdown. Substantial damage was done to the tail boom as well as the rotor, rendering the aircraft unflyable. There was no report of injury by the crew or passengers.