What was found
DURING PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION, FOUND TAIL SKID LOOSE IN VERTICAL FIN. UPON CLOSER EXAMINATION, TAIL SKID PULLED OUT FROM FIN ASSEMBLY. THE TAIL SKID HAD CRACKED COMPLETELY AROUND AND THROUGH AT THE ATTACHMENT BOLT HOLE. BY APPEARANCE OF THE BROKEN ENDS OF THE TUBE, THIS CRACK PROPAGATION WAS SLOW. NO OTHER DAMAGE, OR DEFORMATION OF TAIL SKID NOTED DURING REPLACEMENT OF THE NEW TAIL SKID. HISTORY, AC WAS INVOLVED IN A HARD LANDING/ TAIL ROTOR SUDDEN STOPPAGE.(K)