STRATHMORE, CA, USA
N2918W
BELL 47G-3B2
DURING A HOVERING MANEUVER, AFTER THE HELICOPTER HAD JUST LIFTED OFF WITH AN EXTERNAL LOAD, A GUST OF WIND WAS ENCOUNTERED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE EXTERNAL LOAD SWUNG & SNAGGED ON THE SERVICE TRUCK. THE HELICOPTER WAS THEN PULLED DOWN & IT COLLIDED WITH THE TRUCK. NO PREIMPACT MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED. THE PLT SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS & A MINOR HEAD INJURY; A GROUND LOADING ASSISTANT RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES.
IMPROPER COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE SERVICE TRUCK. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNFAVORABLE (VARIABLE) AND GUSTY WIND CONDITIONS AND CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE SERVICE VEHICLE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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