NTSB Factual Report

The pilot and two medical crewmembers were on a return flight to a hospital helipad. During the approach to the helipad, the crew heard a noise outside the helicopter. The medical crewmembers reported they felt a slight "shudder" on the helicopter but attributed it to the wind as they approached the helipad. The pilot heard the noise, but there was no effect on the controls or flight characteristics, so he continued the landing without further incident. After engine shutdown, the on-coming pilot noticed the helicopter's tail rotor drive shaft cover missing. A search of the surrounding area near the helicopter's approach path, located the missing cover.

An examination of the helicopter noted substantial damage to the tail rotor drive shaft.

The day prior to the accident, scheduled maintenance was performed on the helicopter's tail rotor pitch change mechanism, which required removal of the drive shaft cover. The cover was reinstalled, and no problems were reported during a subsequent pre-flight inspection.

It is likely the cover fasteners were not properly secured, after the cover was re-installed.

NTSB Probable Cause

Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the tail rotor drive shaft cover, which resulted in the cover departing the helicopter in flight.