The pilot of the fleeing helicopter was not at all happy with the vibration in his ship. Control was marginal and he was afraid the vibration would break something essential. He cautioned Dr. Ahmad, "I think we should put down on the sandbar ahead and inspect the helicopter."
Dr. Ahmad was very aware of the vibration, but now that Angie was with him he really wanted to push on and reach the safety of his jet. Only after the pilot had repeated his request did Dr. Ahmad give his assent. The pilot slowed the helicopter down and approached the sandbar carefully. He minimized his forward speed and flared only slightly before setting the craft down gently. Shutting down the machine, the pilot slid out to inspect the damage. Harry's gunshots had found their mark and part of one tail rotor blade was missing. There didn't seem to be any other significant damage. The craft should hold together for the short trip to the airport.
Easing back in, the pilot gave Dr. Ahmad a thumbs-up signal and said, "Minor damage to the tail rotor. We’ll have to keep the speed down, but we should make it okay."