Originally Posted by
pattern_is_full
Exactly - the aircraft was parked on the wooden pallet and neither flying nor running. Just sitting there, and damaged and dislodged by the blast wave.
Incidentally, one report says the pilot/guide and his 4 pax were among the less-injured evacuees, presumably because they (and the helo) were at the foot of the cwm near the sea and boat docks, while the eruption came from the upper end (lake area).
I don’t disagree with any of the comments, but there has been no mention of a blast by survivors whom were within 200 meters of the pad. Is it parked in a position where nearby topography had a funnelling effect of the blast?
A down draught effect from the initial ejection of earth as it fell back to ground?
Quotes from 1st responder pilot.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/11810...-chopper-pilot
Mjb