Final Report: Pilot hit by main rotor

By Mary F. Silitch

June 1, 2008
Accidents

Bell 407, Morristown, Tenn., Nov. 9, 2007–The NTSB blamed the death of the 407 pilot on his “failure to maintain adequate clearance from the idling main rotor blade.

Contributing to the accident was his failure to comply with the manufacturer’s procedure for securing the helicopter. The pilot had taxied the 407 to the fuel pumps, only to discover they were avgas pumps, not jet fuel.

He discharged the passengers, left the helicopter idling and was hit by the main rotor when he returned. The rotorcraft operating manual did not include a procedure for securing and leaving the helicopter with the engine and rotor operating, but did state that during shutdown the pilot should “Remain on the flight controls until the rotor has come to a complete stop.”

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