Alert 08 – 07 Helicopter Lifts Off Without Warning While HLO Assists Passenger
WHAT HAPPENED:
The crew-change helicopter was on deck with passengers preparing to disembark. The Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) was standing next to a seated passenger helping him adjust his 4 – point safety belt. Suddenly and without any radio notification or warning, the helicopter simply lifted off the deck. The HLO managed to step back and slide the door closed before the chopper flew away. There was no visual or radio contact giving the “all clear” to pilot before taking off. The HLO tried to contact the pilots immediately after the incident, but there was no reply back.