Incident Overview
On approach to runway 14L, the crew requested to open the left sliding passenger door. The pilot approved the request. At approximately 100 feet above ground level (AGL) and 55 knots indicated airspeed, the door exited the helicopter and made contact with all four main rotor blades. The pilot immediately descended to a three-foot AGL hover and, with no indications of control problems, proceeded about 1,800 feet to a helipad and landed.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the sliding door and its attaching hardware. The examination revealed that the lower door guide rail had worn sufficiently to allow the door to exit the helicopter when the door handle was placed in the open position.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had accumulated 7,135 hours of flight time.
Outcome
The helicopter landed without further incident. The source does not specify damage extent or occupant status.