LaVerne, CA, USA
N386HQ
Bell 205
The pilot reported that he was conducting cargo and crew shuttle operations in support of firefighting operations. During the approach to a remote landing site that throughout the day had been continuously provided with dust abatement, there was significant dust and small sage type vegetation debris in the air that was kicked up from the helicopter’s rotor wash. The pilot subsequently performed a go-around. During a post-flight inspection, substantial damage to the tail rotor was discovered.
The pilot’s delayed decision to initiate a go-around while landing in an unimproved area which resulted in a collision with debris.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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