Incident Summary
A helicopter experienced an accident after a ground support person failed to remove the loading hose from the aircraft's hopper following a refueling operation. The pilot did not verify that the hose had been removed before initiating takeoff.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had landed to refill the hopper from a truck-mounted re-supply tank. After the hopper was filled, the loading hose was not detached, and the pilot proceeded with takeoff without checking its status. Shortly after becoming airborne, the helicopter was pulled to the left as the hose became taut and eventually snapped. The pilot applied right pedal to regain a forward attitude, but the helicopter lost main rotor speed and abruptly settled to the ground.
Post-Impact Details
Upon ground contact, the main rotor blades flapped downward, striking the ground, which shattered the cockpit bubble. The lower Sprague system separated as the aircraft impacted, shifting the main rotor mast. This shift moved the fuel tank and ruptured the main fuel line. Spilled fuel contacted the exhaust system, resulting in a fire.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.