Accident Description
A helicopter operating as a passenger transport for a work crew experienced a rollover and collision with the ground during a hovering pickup operation. The flight's purpose was to collect a work crew from a remote location and transport them to another site.
Sequence of Events
Upon arrival at the pickup location, the pilot radioed the crew and instructed them to board from the left side of the helicopter. The first worker boarded from the right side and did not move to the opposite seat as directed. According to the pilot, as the second worker began to board, the helicopter started to sway back and forth. The pilot released his grip on the helicopter and backed away moments before the helicopter impacted the ground on its right side.
Work crew members reported that the helicopter began swaying out of control before the second worker reached the aircraft to board.
Pre-Flight Briefing
Earlier that day, the work crews had been briefed on the boarding procedure. Because the pilot could not land due to terrain, personnel were required to exit and enter the helicopter while it was in a hover. The seating arrangement dictated that heavier individuals sit in the back, with a lighter person in the front. Only one person was to board at a time, and that person was to move to the opposite side of the helicopter before the next worker boarded. The last person to enter was to be the front-seat passenger.
Outcome
The helicopter rolled onto its right side and collided with the ground. The source does not specify any injuries or damage beyond the impact.