Accident Details
Two Bell 206L helicopters were parked adjacent to one another with opposing headings. One helicopter, registered N16696, was operating with its main rotor blades turning at approximately 60% RPM (flight idle) while passengers were being loaded. The pilot of the other helicopter, registered N49575, arrived, untied its rotor, and then started the engine. When the engine of N49575 was started, the main rotor blades of the two helicopters struck each other.
Injuries
A passenger who was in the process of boarding helicopter N16696 and a ramp attendant were injured by flying debris resulting from the collision.
Aircraft Information
Both aircraft were Bell 206L helicopters. The accident occurred during ground operations, with one helicopter at flight idle and the other being started.