Pilot did not see handrail that hit helicopter’s tail, says ATSB

The Agusta A109, VH-RUA, was landing on bulk carrier Tai Keystone on 6 December 2023 when the pilot heard a “shredding noise” and an increase in engine pitch before conducting an emergency shutdown. In its final report, the ATSB said the tail rotor hit a handrail unseen by the pilot.