Follow this link for some better photos -
http://www.scalerchelis.com/forum/in...opic=6347&st=0
Teeteringhead - I can't see any evidence of main rotors touching the tail as I'm sure (from when I used to fly such beasts) they would have severed the TRDS much further aft, than the break in these pics. Also, there's no evidence of the TRDS cowling having any blade impact damage from the side - it's just been opened up at the break. Are your photos more detailed than these??
Can't pre-judge, but looks like T/R was turning when it hit, shearing TRDS very quickly & spilling large puddle of HYD oil at the impact point - less than 90 deg rotation after that, breaking the tail wheel (no surprise), before they came to rest.
Big respect for the handling pilot, though.
