Aviation Accident Summary LAX90LA303

SANTA MONICA, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N5012A

HUGHES 369D

Analysis

AT THE END OF A SLING LOAD OPERATION, THE PLT LANDED THE HELICOPTER ON THE ROOF OF A SHOPPING MALL PARKING STRUCTURE, THEN EXITED THE HELICOPTER WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AT HIGH RPM TO RETRIEVE THE FRONT DOOR FROM THE BACK SEAT. AS HE STARTED TO INSTALL THE DOOR THE HELICOPTER PROCEEDED TO LIFT OFF AND THE PILOT RAN FROM THE HELICOPTER. IT RAISED ABOUT 10 FT THEN ROLLED OVER. A WITNESS STATED THE PLT TOLD HIM HIS SLEEVE HAD CAUGHT THE COLLECTIVE.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO EXIT THE HELICOPTER WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND NO ONE AT THE CONTROLS.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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