Accident Overview
A pilot initiated a takeoff with an external longline load consisting of a bundle of cedar blocks. The bundle struck tree branches within the thick forest canopy above the pickup site, causing the load to come apart. A falling block of wood from the bundle struck and fatally injured the ground hook-up crewman.
Operational Requirements
The company operating manual specified that ground personnel must be clear of the area during the lift-off phase. Additionally, the manual required the pilot to execute a vertical takeoff to an altitude that would ensure the load cleared all obstructions.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, the pilot began the lift-off with the external load attached. The bundle of cedar blocks, while being raised, contacted tree branches in the dense canopy at the pickup site. This contact caused the bundle to disintegrate, releasing individual blocks. One of the falling blocks struck the ground crewman, resulting in fatal injuries.
Findings
The accident highlights the critical importance of adhering to prescribed operational procedures during external load operations. The company manual's requirements for ground personnel clearance and vertical takeoff altitude were designed to mitigate such risks.