Italian HEMS AW139 Inadvertent IMC Accident
We look at the ANSV report on a HEMS helicopter Inadvertent IMC event that ended with an AW139 colliding with a mountain in poor visibility.
Italian HEMS AW139 Inadvertent IMC Accident Read Post »
Helicopter Wildlife Netting Accidents
In May 2018 the NTSB published two reports into accidents involving helicopters attempting to carry out wildlife net captures.
Helicopter Wildlife Netting Accidents Read Post »
US Fatal Night HEMS Accident: Self-Induced Pressure & Inadequate Oversight
Self-induced pressure and inadequate OCC support / oversight were behind a fatal US HEMS night accident were an AS350B2 departed an unprepared landing site into IMC in which an LOC-I occurred.
US Fatal Night HEMS Accident: Self-Induced Pressure & Inadequate Oversight Read Post »
Too Rushed to Check: Misrigged Flying Controls
If you had spent 2 years rebuilding a classic Piper PA-12 you’d make the time to check the rigging of the flying controls before first flight, right? Sadly, the pilot in this fatal case study was in a rush.
Too Rushed to Check: Misrigged Flying Controls Read Post »
NTSB Comes Out For Gun Control
With Trump in the White House its major news when a Federal agency comes out for gun control…
NTSB Comes Out For Gun Control Read Post »
“Delivering Our Priorities”: HeliOffshore 2018 Conference Report
We report from the fourth HeliOffshore Conference and AGM on ‘Delivering Our Priorities’ for improved offshore helicopter safety.
“Delivering Our Priorities”: HeliOffshore 2018 Conference Report Read Post »
When Screens Go Blank: NTSB on a 787 Display Loss After a Lightning Strike
The crew of a B787-800 lost 3 of the 5 flight display screens during a climb out of LHR after a lightning strike. The current industry standard for lightning tests do not include test conditions simulating a rapid transient radiated electric field.
When Screens Go Blank: NTSB on a 787 Display Loss After a Lightning Strike Read Post »
Helicopter Throttle Bracket Left Unsecured After Maintenance
A pilot has a lucky escape auto-rotating into a ravine after the throttle bracket came loose 10 hours after installation.
Helicopter Throttle Bracket Left Unsecured After Maintenance Read Post »
An AW109SP, Overweight VIPs and Crew Stress
A heavy landing after a crew were put under considerable stress during a poorly planned VIP flight booking and a hurried overweight take off.
An AW109SP, Overweight VIPs and Crew Stress Read Post »
NTSB Probable Causes and Bad Apples
Do accident reports make the error of treating human error as a cause not a symptom?
NTSB Probable Causes and Bad Apples Read Post »
A330 Starts to Taxi Before Tug is Clear
ATSB say misunderstandings by the parties involved led to incorrect expectations and the aircraft beginning to taxi prior to the tug moving clear.
A330 Starts to Taxi Before Tug is Clear Read Post »
C208B Force Landing After Inadequate Maintenance Fault Finding
Everyone walked away from this accident after a faulty fuel line clamp was missed during an inspection.
C208B Force Landing After Inadequate Maintenance Fault Finding Read Post »
The “Hold My Beer” Helicopter Accident
It will be no revelation that alcohol and piloting are a bad mix. But what would you do if you saw someone drinking for several hours then saying they were going to “put on an airshow”?
The “Hold My Beer” Helicopter Accident Read Post »
Investigators Criticise Cargo Carrier’s Culture & FAA Regulation After Fatal Somatogravic LOC-I
A Shorts 360 cargo aircraft contracted to FedEx crashed in the Caribbean after the crew likely suffered a Somatogravic Illusion raising the flaps on a dark night in 2014. The lack of an FAA SMS regulation for Part 135, the operator’s poor safety culture and implications for the wider industry culture stand out in a thoughtful accident report.
Hoist Assembly Errors: SAR Personnel Dropped Into Sea
Taiwanese investigators determined that the hoist hook had been inappropriately assembled during maintenance 2 days earlier.
Hoist Assembly Errors: SAR Personnel Dropped Into Sea Read Post »
Man Hit By Aircraft During Arctic Nuclear Sub Exercise
During take off from a floating ice runway, while supporting a US/UK nuclear submarine exercise in the Arctic (ICEX 2018), a civilian Twin Otter strikes a photographer alongside the runway.
Man Hit By Aircraft During Arctic Nuclear Sub Exercise Read Post »
King Air 200 Smoke and Fumes From Windshield Electrical Fault
Under-torquing a screw 5 years earlier is believed to be the cause of this in flight emergency.
King Air 200 Smoke and Fumes From Windshield Electrical Fault Read Post »
Indian King Air Take Off Accident: Organisational & Training Weaknesses
Investigators point to a shelfware SMS and low crew type experience / confidence in an automation related KA200 accident that killed 10.
Indian King Air Take Off Accident: Organisational & Training Weaknesses Read Post »
Significant Twin Otter NLG Crack
A significant crack was found in the Nose Landing Gear of a Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter according to a CASA SDR.
Significant Twin Otter NLG Crack Read Post »
USAF F-16C Crash: Engine Maintenance Error
A $22mn F-16C was lost after components were omitted when assembling an engine control unit. The USAF investigation points to a lack of ‘parts accountability’ in the overhaul shop.
USAF F-16C Crash: Engine Maintenance Error Read Post »
EC120 Forgotten Walkaround
Interruption and distraction mean a walkaround was missed and the helicopter took off with a cowling unlatched. On approach it opened and struck the main rotor.
EC120 Forgotten Walkaround Read Post »
Fatal Engine Power Loss: Powerline Helicopter Not Modified IAW OEM Recommendations
We look at a fatal accident that demonstrates the criticality of assessing recommended service bulletins.
Fatal Engine Power Loss: Powerline Helicopter Not Modified IAW OEM Recommendations Read Post »
Heli-Expo 2018 Photo Report
News and photos from HAI Heli-Expo 2018 in Las Vegas, NV.
Heli-Expo 2018 Photo Report Read Post »
Swedish Military NOE Helicopter Bird Strike
During a low-level night training flight a Swedish Armed Forces Agusta 109LUH collided with a large bird. We look at the safety lessons.
Swedish Military NOE Helicopter Bird Strike Read Post »
NTSB Reveal Lax Maintenance Standards in Honolulu Tour Helicopter Accident
In a report released on 22 Feb 2018 the NTSB reveal shocking maintenance standards prior to an air tour accident in which a 16 year old boy died and his parents were seriously injured.
NTSB Reveal Lax Maintenance Standards in Honolulu Tour Helicopter Accident Read Post »