Probable cause
The fuelers improper action during the refueling process.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the helicopter reported that, he was on the ramp with the engine running to accomplish a rapid refuel. The fueler was attempting to attach the grounding cable to the helicopter and due to the cable not locking, he maneuvered the cable up and down, which then contacted the main rotor blades. The pilot reported he felt a “violent jolt” and immediately shut the engine down. The fueler’s hands were seriously injured. The main rotor blades were substantially damaged. 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 WPR22LA154 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 17, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Deer Valley, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Deer Valley (DVT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Eurocopter AS 350 B3
- N-number
- N808LF
- Category
- Helicopter
- Year built
- 2010
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
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.