Incident Overview
A commercial pilot reported that while preparing for departure, obstacles near the helicopter prompted a decision to hover taxi backward before making a left turn for takeoff. The pilot began the maneuver with a reported tailwind of 14 knots, gusting to 22 knots.
Pilot Actions and Distraction
According to the pilot, the wind conditions required focused attention on the windsock, flight path, and engine RPM. This concentration caused the pilot to lose awareness of a helicopter parked behind the aircraft. As the pilot turned the helicopter to the left, the main rotor contacted the parked helicopter, resulting in a collision.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initiated a backward hover taxi to clear nearby obstacles, intending to then turn left for departure. During the backward movement, the tailwind component increased the complexity of the maneuver. The pilot's attention remained fixed on monitoring wind direction via the windsock, maintaining the intended flight path, and managing engine performance. Consequently, the presence of the stationary helicopter was overlooked until the rotor strike occurred.
Operational Context
The incident involved a commercial pilot operating under visual flight rules. The specific make, model, and registration of the helicopters were not detailed in the report. No information regarding injuries, damage extent, time of day, or weather conditions beyond wind speed was provided.