Aircraft and Missions
Helicopter N8605F was conducting a Part 91 sightseeing flight for hire, carrying four paying passengers. Helicopter N1103N was on a mission to photograph N8605F for advertising purposes, with two professional photographers and their assistants on board.
Flight Path and Separation
Both aircraft were flying on parallel courses. N8605F was positioned ahead of and below N1103N. The pilots indicated that the horizontal separation between them was about 100 feet and the vertical separation about 50 feet.
Collision Sequence
The pilot of N8605F looked forward and then to the right. Meanwhile, the pilot of N1103N was about to establish radio contact with the other pilot. At that moment, the two helicopters collided.
Impact Details
The left front skid of N1103N struck the rear of N8605F's main rotor system.