Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting an external load operation with a long-line and fertilizer bucket was involved in a rotor strike incident during the landing phase. The pilot was approaching a heliport located approximately two miles from the departure point. According to the operator, the pilot executed a normal external load approach from the northeast, landing the bucket from a hover.
Sequence of Events
After the bucket was on the ground, ground crew personnel directed the pilot to reposition the bucket forward of its present location because it was too close to a tree stump. The pilot maneuvered the helicopter laterally to place the bucket at the requested position. Following this repositioning, the pilot began a descent for landing. During the descent, the helicopter's main rotor blades made contact with treetops.
Operational Details
The helicopter was configured with a long-line and an external fertilizer bucket, indicating an agricultural or material application task. The heliport was near the departure point, suggesting a short-duration flight. The ground crew were involved in directing the bucket placement, highlighting a coordinated ground-air operation.
Investigation Findings
The operator reported the sequence of events, but no probable cause or contributing factors were stated in the source. The incident remains under review by the operator.