Incident Overview
A helicopter pilot completed a landing, locked the controls in place with the engine and rotors still turning at flight idle, then exited the aircraft and began refueling from the right side. A company employee approached the pilot and asked about getting a ride to the intended destination. After the pilot agreed, the employee started walking toward his truck to retrieve his luggage. In doing so, he ducked under the tail boom of the helicopter and walked to the left rear of the aircraft, where he was struck by the tail rotor blade.
Background Information
An FAA inspector reported that the employee had previous experience working around helicopters and had received company training regarding the dangers of helicopter rotor blades.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had landed the helicopter and, while the engine and rotors remained at flight idle, locked the controls down. Exiting the aircraft, he began refueling from the right side. The employee's approach and subsequent agreement for a ride led him to move toward his truck. His path required him to pass under the tail boom, bringing him into contact with the rotating tail rotor.