N135WJEurocopter Deutschland Gmbh EC 135 P2 · 2003

The operator of the helicopter reported that, during takeoff, the pilot allowed the helicopter to drift aft during a pedal turn. As the pilot performed a pedal turn, the main rotor blades struck tree branches that outlined the confined area of the landing zone. The remainder of the flight was completed without incident.

Further inspection by the operator's maintenance personal identified two main rotor blades displayed damage at the tips, three fan-in-fin blades displayed bending, a crack in the vertical fin, puncture in the horizonal stabilizer and damage to the anti-torque gear box.

The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the anti-torque gear box.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.