Primary finding
Probable cause
The ground crew’s attachment of the load fill hose to the helicopter without telling the pilot, which resulted in a loss of helicopter control during takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during reloading operations for an agricultural spray flight and while boarding the helicopter, which was positioned on top of the loading truck's platform, he saw that the load fill hose was not connected to the helicopter. However, before starting the helicopter, and unknown to the pilot, the ground crew connected the hose. During takeoff, the helicopter rotated about 180º to the right, the helicopter's right skid struck the truck's hood, and the helicopter then rolled right and impacted terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The helicopter pilot reported that, during the reloading operation for an agricultural spray flight, while boarding the helicopter positioned on top of the truck's platform, he saw that the load fill hose was not connected to the helicopter. However, prior to starting the helicopter, and unknown to the pilot, the groundcrew connected the hose. During takeoff, the helicopter rotated about 180º to the right, the helicopter's right skid struck the hood of the truck, the helicopter rolled to the right and impacted the terrain. The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor system. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.