A decline in GOM helicopter usage continues. There were three air accidents, two fatal. all involving single engined helicopters.
Helicopter Ops and Safety – Gulf Of Mexico 2017 Update Read Post »
We summarise a TSIB report into how an SIA B777 took off with a 41t fuel discrepancy (after a combination of aircraft system failure and erroneous verification of the fuel quantity).
Singapore Airlines B777 41t Fuel Discrepancy Incident Read Post »
Most safety software is purely transactional with a user interface as uninspiring as on-line banking. We look at ways to make safety software more effective and inviting.
How ‘Sticky’ is Your Safety Software? Read Post »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Do accident reports make the error of treating human error as a cause not a symptom?
NTSB Probable Causes and Bad Apples Read Post »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
