The pilot was directing cattle through a gate when a cow turned and began to walk back towards the helicopter. It stopped in front of the aircraft before charging. The pilot applied back cyclic and up collective in an attempt to avoid the animal but the tail rotor struck the ground. The helicopter began to yaw and the pilot landed the aircraft immediately. It continued to yaw after the landing and the landing skid assembly was substantially damaged. The pilot was relatively inexperienced on the helicopter type, having the majority of his recent experience on more powerful and responsive types. On this occasion, the rate of cyclic application was too great and not compensated for by the collective input. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.
