What happened
The pilot had just finished completing a dispensing operation and was in the process of returning to the agricultural staging area to refuel the aircraft. As the helicopter approached the parked refueling vehicle, it attempted to maintain a hover position to facilitate the transfer of fuel.
During this maneuver, the main rotor blades made contact with a metal structure that was attached to the side of the truck. The pilot later explained that the refueling hose provided for the operation was approximately 30 feet in length. This length proved to be too short to allow the helicopter to hover at a safe distance from the vehicle while maintaining proper clearance.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanics of the collision and the operational constraints present during the refueling process. Examination of the scene confirmed that the primary point of impact was between the rotating blades and the fixed metal structure on the truck. The physical limitation of the hose length was identified as a critical factor preventing safe positioning.
Findings
The incident highlights the dangers of inadequate equipment for specific operational phases. The short refueling hose restricted the pilot's ability to maintain a safe hover distance, leading directly to the rotor strike. This case underscores the need for proper equipment sizing in agricultural aviation operations.