NTSB Factual Report

On June 28, 2000, at 0805 hours Pacific daylight time, a ground handler for a Worldwide Aero Aeros-40B twin engine blimp, N819AC, was fatally injured while attempting to recover the airship at San Bernardino, California. The blimp, operated by Airship USA, Inc., as an instructional flight under 14 CFR Part 91, was not damaged, nor were the pilot, co-pilot, or any of the remaining ground crewmembers injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The instructional flight to familiarize the co-pilot with the airship handling characteristics had originated from San Bernardino International Airport about 0730 on the morning of the accident, and was terminating when the accident occurred.

According to a written statement provided by the pilot, she was demonstrating a lighter than neutral landing for her student. There were two ground crew assigned to catch the mooring rope and assist with the airship landing. As the blimp neared the landing area, one of the ground handlers (listed as number 1 for the purposes of this report) caught the nose line and the other ground crew (listed as number 2 for the purposes of this report) ran to assist ground handler number 1, who was running with the nose rope to slow the airship. Ground handler number 2 realized that he was on a collision course with ground handler number 1 and "began running backward to avoid being hit." Ground handler number 2 then stumbled, fell and hit his head on the concrete apron. Ground handler number 1 immediately launched the airship back into the air so he could attend to ground handler number 2. A local ambulance was called and the ground handler was taken to the hospital.

According to the San Bernardino International Airport Aircraft Accident/Incident Report, ground handler number 1 stated that ground handler number 2 ran into him while trying to grab the rope. The collision caused ground handler number 2 to fall and hit his head.

The NTSB conducted a telephone interview with ground handler number 1 on October 3, 2002. During the telephone conversation, he stated that ground handler number 2 was running and tripped, which caused him to fall backward and hit his head.

According to family members, the ground handler died as a result of his injuries on July 11, 2000.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, under the section titled "Recommendation (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented)," the pilot recommended that the ground crew wear helmets.

NTSB Probable Cause

The ground crew's diverted attention toward the landing airship while trying to catch a mooring rope, which resulted in their failure to detect an immenient collision with each other.