Probable cause
The ground crewman’s failure to hold onto the passenger door while the main rotor was still rotating, which resulted in the door separating from the helicopter and damaging the main rotor.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, after fueling the helicopter with the engine running, the ground crewman opened the front passenger door on the opposite side from the pilot. Upon unlatching the door, the ground crewman released the door, and it was blown open. The door separated from the door strut and struck the main rotor, damaging the blades.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the main rotor blades.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA344 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 25, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Peach Springs, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Grand Canyon West (1G4)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Eurocopter EC130
- N-number
- N153GC
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2010
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Business
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.