Slight amendment to Nigel's post: the helicopter on the deck was a 222, with the tail boom over the water: unable to be tied down. The pilot's defence (it didn't get to court, although he was initially charged and spent $A40k+ on legals) was that the Flight Manual prohibits leaving the rotor brake on, after shut down. I don't know the FM, but assume he was/is correct.
The 206L pilot was reported to have seen the 222's blades, yet continued his approach with subsequent fatality (passenger's video showed all
). 206L pilot became CP, 222 pilot sitting having a cup of coffee 50 yards away was charged by Queensland Police. Go figure
Back to the Gazelle/R22: from the Antipodes, who was
most at fault? Gaz pilot should have known better? R22 driver should have grabbed the tip of the nearest blade and held it secure when the obvious was about to happen? R22 driver should have tied the blade down? Gaz pilot should have gone to another spot?
All of the above
