The area we were to be dropped in was a hillside with about a 10 degree slope. The lead pilot circled the area several times, searching for a flatter place to set down, but finding none he decided to opt for a modified hover to unload the fire fighting packet. What he did was turn parallel to the slope and hover down close enough to the ground so that the uphill skid of the helicopter was nearly on the ground, while the downhill skid was about two or three feet in the air. He then directed the crew chief to open the downhill doors (I could hear all the conversations on my headset) and unload the team. The first couple of men jumped off without incident, and the helicopter wobbled only slightly as the center of gravity shifted. One of the packet members, who was apparently in a hurry, took it upon himself to open the other door and depart on the uphill side of the aircraft. I saw him dash uphill in a stooping position and then stand up.

He disintegrated from mid-chest up.

What was obvious to everyone but him was that on the uphill side of the aircraft the rotors were much closer to the ground.

To his credit, the pilot maintained control, and while spewing profanity at the crew chief, lifted clear of the hillside. The three aircraft commanders debated over the radio for several minutes about what to do next. Since the victim was clearly beyond help, they decided to unload the other two packets and return to base.

Our chopper moved in to unload and the crew chief stationed himself next to the uphill door to insure no one could open it. For myself, I nearly crawled away from the bird until I was absolutely sure I was clear…

Submitted on 12/03/2003

Submitted by: dan mcgarry
Reference:

Copyright © 2003 DarwinAwards.com

Greg said:
Maybe Toss: Not Amusing
Well written and credible, but we have had several similar submissions in the past. As written, more sad than amusing. If it can't be rewritten in a more humerous form, I would vote no.

Charles said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I'm going to argue that this one is at least worth consideration. Yes, it's sad... but dumba$$ should have seen enough chopper accidents to know that the nickname is not just an idle comment.

Daniel said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
With all the "heads-up" training I got in the Forest Service before they'd let me near a chopper, I like this one. guesome, but cute.

Bill said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I don't find it the most amusing, but if in doubt, let the readers decide.

Jack said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
I have many hours of time jumping out of the Huey - some of which were under fire. I am also quite familiar with the Huachuca mountains (Dan & I just missed each other by a couple of years). The story is totally credible and believable. I would put the onus on the people who didn't train the poor guy better, but let the readers decide.