Despite a slow emergency response, 2 passengers survive after pilot incapacitated 2 weeks after a Class 1 medical. Second fatal pilot incapacitation in GOM in 2022.
Two Offshore Passengers in GOM Survive Single Pilot Fatal Incapacitation Read Post »
A latent defect is found to have occurred on other aircraft. Could throttle detent inspections be improved?
B407 Worn Throttle Detent Power Loss Accident Read Post »
The Aircraft Commander / Instructor died after a water impact during the first flight of a command course following a loss of control on approach to a NUI.
Fatal Offshore S-76C++ LOC-I & Water Impact Brazil 2022: CENIPA Investigation Read Post »
We review the USAF AIB report, looking at the catastrophic gear box failure and decision making seemingly influence by low risk awareness and commitment to completing the flight.
Deadly Delay: Catastrophic USAF CV-22B Osprey Gear Box Failure Read Post »
After completing a low level geophysical survey, a PA-31 was flown even lower back to base, hitting a powerline just 70 ft AGL.
“Sensation Seeking” Survey Fatal Accident Read Post »
Two birds struck a helicopter air ambulance with one damaging a pitch link and the swashplate drive arm, causing strong vibration. A safe landing was made.
Air Ambulance Bell 407 Pitch Links & Swashplate Drive Arm Bent in Double Bird Strike Read Post »
CHC Australia BK117 LOC-I after disorientation in deteriorating weather after an EGPWS terrain warning during a night HEMS positioning flight.
Night HEMS BK117 Loss of Control Read Post »
An impact with two red-tail hawks smashed the windscreen & the visor of the pilot’s helmet and ripped the helmet off. A safe landing was made
Air Ambulance Pilot’s Visor Smashed in Double Bird Strike Read Post »
Lack of established procedures and lack of night/NVG over-water SAR recency feature in this 2012 USCG accident.
Fatal USCG SAR Training Flight: Inadvertent IMC Read Post »
While leaning out of the right door during Human External Cargo training a pilot makes an unintended control input.
Pilot Induced B407 HEC Power Loss Read Post »
A third party injury at a UK HEMS site and a medical personnel head injury during training in Canada.
HEMS Downwash Injuries: Two More Case Studies Read Post »
An inappropriate hook snags on a railing during solo R44 HESLO at an oil & gas site in Canada.
HESLO R44 Snagged by its Own Longline Read Post »
Helicopter landing site suitability, flight planning and Threat & Error Management are all topics discussed in this AAIB report where an AW109 contacted trees during a night take off.
Drift into Danger: AW109SP Night HLS Accident Read Post »
This fatal Canadian mining accident is a reminder there is risk of entanglement during any HESLO underslung load task.
Fatal Fall after HESLO Helicopter Hooks Worker Read Post »
Even though the bird entered at floor level, the HEMS pilot’s helmet was still splattered with debris.
HEMS H145 Bird Strike Read Post »
A night visual approach resulted in illusions that resulted in a water impact. Everyone on board was rescued but not before highlighting many survivability & SAR enhancements, as well as triggering improved helideck lighting and TAWS improvements.
Night Offshore Helicopter Approach Water Impact Read Post »
A 40s loss of control occurred during the transition from visual to instrument flight during a disorientating night offshore TO without an external horizon.
Night Offshore Take-Off Loss of Control Incident Norway Read Post »
A Fire Dept set up a landing site at night under the edge of powerlines. The HEMS pilot looked for the wires using NVGs but could only see the towers.
Air Ambulance Night Wirestrike at Poorly Chosen Landing Site Read Post »
After landing in a confined space this HEMS helicopter started to slide backwards on an icy slope. We look at landing site recces.
HEMS Air Ambulance Landing Site Slide Read Post »
Wear is found during a check that results in a rare flying control maintenance task, poorly described in the AMM. Its unrecorded and delegated to an apprentice with insufficient supervision. We examine the maintenance human factors involved.
An inflight upset, consistent with a SAS/AP CUT, resulted in a rotor overspeed, and reduction of power from both engines
Air Ambulance EC135 Loss of Control & Main Rotor / Engine Overspeeds Read Post »
LOC-I. TFO died after being trapped after a water impact. NTSB Probable Cause: The helicopter’s encounter with unanticipated right yaw during a low-altitude, low-airspeed, tight-radius orbit.
Police Helicopter Unanticipated Yaw & Fatal Water Impact Read Post »
Two people died after a loss of visual references shortly after take-off in the transition from vertical to horizontal flight. NSIA point to organisational and systemic factors.
A pilot credits HUET for his escape from a submerged fire-fighting helicopter.
Fire-fighting Bell 204B Underwater Escape Read Post »
The wing spar failed from fatigue cracking elsewhere in the wing that was missed during the same inspection.
