Accident Overview
A helicopter engaged in sling load firefighting operations experienced an accident while performing a water bucket dip. The aircraft was transporting water to a fire using a bambi bucket. After completing a bucket drop on a fire, the pilot returned to the dip site and approached to a hover over the water.
Witness Observations
A witness observed the helicopter come in for the dip and noted that "the bucket was way back dragging across the water." As the helicopter began to lift the bucket, it "tipped to the passenger side and the rotor immediately hit the water." Following the rotor strike, the helicopter came to rest in the pond on its left side.
Examination Findings
An FAA inspector examined the helicopter after the accident. The inspection revealed witness marks on the outside of the left skid, just aft of the aft cross tube. These marks were matched to the water bucket's cable, indicating contact between the cable and the skid during the incident.