Casualties unknown

2001-05-13: Bell 206B (N2102Z) — David K. Martz — San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA, US

On May 13, 2001, a Bell 206B (registration N2102Z) operated by David K. Martz was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the ground personnel to maintain clearance between two aircraft on the ramp, while one airplane was taxiing and the other was standing with the engine running and rotor blades turning. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A helicopter main rotor blade collided with the right wingtip of a twin-engine transport airplane while the airplane was being marshaled into a ramp area. The helicopter was parked with its rotor blades aligned and was loading passengers.

Incident Overview

A twin-engine transport airplane sustained a collision with a helicopter's main rotor blade while being guided into a parking position on a ramp. The helicopter was stationary and parked with its rotor blades aligned along its longitudinal axis. At the time, the helicopter was being boarded by passengers.

Ramp Personnel and Positioning

Four ramp personnel were involved in the operation. Three were assigned to the airplane, with one positioned at the nose and one at each wing. The fourth ramp person was assisting the helicopter. According to the helicopter's ramp assistant, he escorted passengers to the helicopter, after which the pilot loaded them and closed the door.

Sequence of Events

As the airplane was marshaled into the ramp, its cockpit passed abeam the helicopter. At that moment, the airplane's captain observed the helicopter's main rotor blades beginning to rotate. The first officer, noticing the proximity between the airplane's right wing and the helicopter, became concerned. However, the right wing walker gave a "thumbs up" signal indicating clearance. Subsequently, the main rotor blade struck the airplane's right wingtip.

Aftermath

The collision resulted in damage to the airplane's wingtip from the helicopter's rotor blade. Specific details regarding injuries, damage extent, or other consequences are not provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010519X00967. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.