EUROCOPTER EC130
Peach Springs, AZ — May 25, 2017
Event Information
| Date | May 25, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA344 |
| Event ID | 20170526X63223 |
| Location | Peach Springs, AZ |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.98472, -113.81722 |
| Airport | GRAND CANYON WEST |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | EUROCOPTER |
| Model | EC130 |
| Category | HELI |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The ground crewman’s failure to hold onto the passenger door while the main rotor was still rotating, which resulted in the door separating from the helicopter and damaging the main rotor.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, after fueling the helicopter with the engine running, the ground crewman opened the front passenger door on the opposite side from the pilot. Upon unlatching the door, the ground crewman released the door, and it was blown open. The door separated from the door strut, and struck the main rotor damaging the 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 helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.