Incident Details
Upon arrival at the destination airport, the pilot taxied the helicopter to the fuel pumps. After stopping, the pilot realized that the pumps dispensed aviation gasoline rather than jet fuel. The pilot informed the passengers that he would assist them in unloading their baggage and then reposition the helicopter to a different fuel pump. The pilot proceeded to carry the passengers' bags and used the restroom at the fixed base operator. Later, the pilot returned to the unoccupied helicopter. While walking toward the helicopter, the pilot was struck by the idling main rotor.
Flight Manual Considerations
The helicopter's rotorcraft flight manual did not describe a procedure for the pilot to exit the helicopter while the engine and rotor continued to operate. However, the manual stated that during shutdown, the pilot should "Remain on the flight controls until the rotor has come to a complete stop." This guidance was not followed in this instance, as the pilot exited the helicopter while the rotors were still turning.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the helicopter revealed that the cyclic friction lock was not tightened. This condition contradicted the instructions in the flight manual's shutdown checklist. Additionally, post-mortem toxicological testing of the pilot detected a substance that, according to the testing, would not normally be expected to cause impairment of psychomotor or cognitive functions.