Rotor blade strike — Robinson R44 during engine start

Summary

During engine start at a private helipad in Port Douglas, the main rotor blade of a Robinson R44 Raven II struck a parked ground support vehicle that had been positioned within the rotor arc. The blade sustained severe damage and one rotor blade must be replaced. No persons were in the vehicle; no injuries.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01The ground support vehicle had been parked closer than the 1.5-rotor-diameter exclusion zone during re-fuelling.
2. 02The operator had no formal written ground procedure defining the exclusion zone.
3. 03Tropical Helicopters Pty Ltd immediately implemented a physical cordon procedure for all ground operations.
4. 04ATSB recommended all helicopter operators conduct a formal audit of ground exclusion zone marking and procedure compliance.