Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's abrupt cyclic/pitch attitude control movement, which resulted in a Fenestron ground strike.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, during the hover-taxi for departure in the ramp area, he was monitoring another helicopter that had just departed and then "brought [his] eyes inside [the helicopter]" to switch a radio frequency. As the pilot looked back outside, he observed "the nose of a big plane taxiing" from behind another parked airplane to his left. Subsequently, the pilot abruptly applied aft cyclic to stop the helicopter's forward momentum, and the Fenestron struck the ramp. The pilot returned to the ramp area without further incident. The Fenestron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the helicopter reported that during the hover taxi for departure in the ramp area, he was monitoring another helicopter that had just departed and then "brought [his] eyes inside [the helicopter]" to switch a radio frequency. As the pilot looked back outside, he observed "the nose of a big plane taxiing" from behind another parked airplane to his left. Subsequently, the pilot abruptly applied aft cyclic to stop the helicopter's forward momentum and the Fenestron struck the ramp. The pilot returned to the ramp area without further incident. The Fenestron sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.