Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA17CA135

Price, UT, USA

Aircraft #1

N6640Z

HUGHES OH 6A

Analysis

The helicopter pilot reported that, after landing to refuel, he reduced power to flight idle and initiated a 2-minute cooldown before shutting off the engine. One minute into the cooldown, the fuel truck approached the helicopter from the rear and struck the main rotor blades. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.

Factual Information

The helicopter pilot reported that after landing to refuel, he reduced power to flight idle and initiated a 2-minute cool down prior to shutting off the engine. He further reported that one minute into the cool down, the fuel truck approached the helicopter from the rear and struck the main rotor blades. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The fuel truck driver’s failure to stop before impacting the helicopter’s main rotor blades.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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