ALICIA, AR, USA
N3771W
WILLIAMS BELL OH13H/TOMCAT MK5A
FOLLOWING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS, THE PILOT LANDED TO REFUEL AND TO LOAD CHEMICALS. AFTER PLACING THE FUEL HOSE IN THE TANK, THE PILOT WALKED AWAY FROM THE HELICOPTER TO TALK TO A CUSTOMER. HE FAILED TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE PRIOR TO TAKEOFF RESULTING IN THE HELICOPTER STRIKING A PARKED VEHICLE.
On July 21, 1995, at 1630 central daylight time, a Williams Flying Service OH13H/Tomcat MK5A, N3771W, impacted the ground during takeoff near Alicia, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was seriously injured and the helicopter sustained substantial damage. No flight plan was filed for the aerial application flight operated by AAC Flying Service under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which was originating when the accident occurred. The operator reported that the pilot landed to refuel and to load chemicals. After placing the fuel hose in the tank, the pilot walked away from the helicopter to talk to a customer. The pilot returned to the aircraft and "attempted to takeoff with the fuel hose still in fuel tank" resulting in the aircraft striking the "ground and a 1990 Ford pickup at the same time." The rotor blades, skids, and fuselage of the helicopter were damaged.
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REMOVE THE REFUELING HOSE. A FACTOR WAS THAT HE DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION FROM THE REFUELING OPERATION.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
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