If a helicopter has landed on a slope, from which side should you never approach?

When a helicopter lands on a slope, approaching from the downhill side poses significant risks due to the potential for the helicopter to roll or shift unexpectedly as the weight distribution changes. Helicopters are designed to be stable on flat surfaces, but when on an incline, the center of gravity is altered, making it more susceptible to movement. As a result, if a person were to approach from the downhill side, they could be caught off guard by a possible shift in the helicopter’s position or experience a hazardous situation if the helicopter begins to roll down the slope.

Additionally, the rotor wash—air turbulence created by the rotor blades—can push debris or create unstable conditions. The downhill side is particularly risky as any movement or turbulence could release debris downhill, posing a danger to anyone approaching from that side.

In contrast, the uphill side presents a safer option for approach, as it mitigates the risk of being impacted by the helicopter's potential movement and provides a more stable environment for both the individual and the helicopter. The left and right sides can also be approached safely, depending on the specific operational protocols and the situation at hand.