Background
A Bell 206B helicopter, registration N2282T, and a Pitts S-2A airplane, registration N31512, collided in mid-air during their initial takeoff climb from an uncontrolled airport. The collision occurred as the airplane was taking off from Runway 22 and the helicopter was departing from an adjacent helipad located near the midpoint of the 2,650-foot runway.
Sequence of Events
According to the helicopter pilot, after lift-off from the helipad, he brought the helicopter to a hover and hover taxied it to the runway. He reported that he visually cleared the runway and, after approximately 10 seconds, began his departure. Subsequently, the helicopter's flight path merged with the flight path of the airplane over the runway.
The airplane involved was a tailwheel-equipped Pitts S-2A. Forward visibility from such an airplane would have been restricted while its tailwheel was on the runway surface.
Findings
Aircraft tiedowns were located between the approach end of Runway 22 and the helipad. Aircraft parked in this tiedown area would have restricted the view between the approach end of the runway and the helipad.