Incident Overview
A helicopter accident occurred when the pilot, after landing on a truck platform, became distracted by a piece of paper that had fallen to the floor on the right side of the cockpit. According to the pilot's account, he did not decrease rotor RPM or lower the collective to flat pitch while attempting to retrieve the paper.
Sequence of Events
While reaching for the fallen paper, the pilot released the cyclic control with his right hand. The aircraft then slid to the right across the steel surface of the platform. To correct the slide, the pilot applied left cyclic and increased collective pitch in an attempt to lift the helicopter. However, the right skid caught on the platform's fence, causing the helicopter to roll to the right and fall off the platform.
Post-Impact Fire
Upon impacting the ground, the helicopter burst into flames. The pilot's son, who was present, assisted the pilot in escaping from the burning wreckage.
Analysis
The pilot reported that he did not reduce rotor RPM or lower the collective to flat pitch after landing, which may have contributed to the aircraft's instability when he released the cyclic. The attempt to recover the paper led to a loss of control, resulting in the helicopter sliding and ultimately rolling off the platform.