We look at a fatal S-76C++ helicopter accident that highlights a range of certification, modification, crew alerting, training and emergency response lessons, and also discuss current activity on helicopter bird strike certification requirements.
Safety Lessons from a Fatal Helicopter Bird Strike: PHI Sikorsky S-76C++ Read Post »
We look back on our top aviation and safety articles of 2016. We thank all our readers for their support in 2016 and hope we can continue to prove a valuable source of information and insight in 2017!
Our Top 10 Articles of 2016 Read Post »
Accident investigators make observations on human factors, training, instrumentation design, airworthiness reporting and SAR after the fatal LOC-I of a cargo CRJ-200 in Sweden in an accident reminiscent of AF447.
CRJ-200 LOC-I Sweden 8 Jan 2016: SHK Investigation Results Read Post »
Time pressures and a lack of cross-checking contributed to a trim sheet error at an Australian regional airline.
Time Pressures and Take-Off Trim Trouble Read Post »
A change in approved lubricant for the fuel injection servo but an excessive amount was used. A prompt 12 days from incident to recall.
Robinson R44 Power Loss: Excessive Lubricant Read Post »
The innovative 140ft span Facebook Aquila solar powered internet relay drone had an in-flight structural failure due to gusts during its first landing say NTSB. Flight control system changes are planned.
Facebook Aquila Drone Accident: Gust Induced Structural Failure Read Post »
The NTSB recommend short term safety promotion and a long term error-proof re-design to prevent a reoccurring loss of propeller thrust after incorrect assembly.
Fatal B1900C Accident: NTSB Safety Recommendation on PT6A To Error-Proof the Beta Arm Read Post »
We look at the maintenance human factors that resulted in the 36th A320 cowling loss.
ANSV Report on EasyJet A320 Fan Cowl Door Loss: Maintenance Human Factors Read Post »
The lack of effective risk assessment and landing site data jumps out in this TSB report as does a casual approach to some pre-flight preparation. There are survivability lessons too.
Fatal Wire Strike on Take Off from Communications Site Read Post »
The crew of a private bizjet pressed on in poor visibility and may have made a VNAV selection error. ‘Tensions’ amongst the crew are reported, with the PIC wanting to terminate the co-pilot after the flight and ‘insufficient CRM’ cited.
Cockpit Tensions and an Automated CFIT Accident Read Post »
AIBN has opened an investigation into a serious incident that is a reminder of the possible seasonal weather related threats.
ATR72 Control Problems in Severe Icing, Norway, 14 November 2016 Read Post »
The FAA has issued a Safety Alert for Operators SAFO 16016. They discuss one accident were a take-off was attempted with one engine at idle.
Stabilised Hover Prevents Loss of Control Accidents Say FAA Read Post »
An occurrence were after take off, a ‘gut feeling’ resulted in challenging MEL assumptions that had been made during flight planning, resulting in a change to the mid-Pacific alternate.
Challenge Assumptions: ATSB on A330 with a u/s GPS Read Post »
The TSB say ‘competitive behaviour’ by fire-fighting pilots eroded the margin of safety during take-offs. We look at the cultural and SMS issues.
‘Competitive Behaviour’ and a Fire-Fighting Aircraft Stall Read Post »
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board reported on a near mid air collision between a Swedish Gripen and Norwegian F-16 during the tri-national 2015 Arctic Fighter Meet. The aircraft passed ~ 30m apart in cloud.
Military Airprox in Sweden Read Post »
While working on an RCAF A310 a maintainer is crushed by a spoiler, highlighting the hazards that must be managed when conducting simultaneous maintenance tasks.
Serious Injury During Aircraft Maintenance Read Post »
The UK AAIB has published their Annual Safety Review in a radical new format. It has analysis of investigations, an overview of recommendations and articles on the use of drones and the time needed for investigations.
AAIB Annual Safety Review for 2015 Read Post »
A readiness crisis in the CH-53E fleet triggered the dramatic firing of the Squadron CO and a fatal mid air collision that killed 12 marines days later.
USMC CH-53E Readiness Crisis and Mid Air Collision Catastrophe Read Post »
The NTSB release their probable cause on this uncontained HPT2 disc burst.
Uncontained CF6-80 Failure: American B767-300 28 Oct 2016 Read Post »
The US CSB has released its report into an explosion and fire at the Williams Olefins ethylene and propylene plant in Geismar, Louisiana which killed 2 employees and injured 167.
CSB: 12 Years of Deficiencies Prior to Fatal Plant Explosion Read Post »
We look at three aspects from the investigation into a fatal air accident in the UK: Recording of aircraft defects, TAWS and the carriage of non-crew members on the flight deck.
LOC-I Departure: AAIB Report on King Air 200 Accident Read Post »
Safety lessons from a disturbing unstabilised approach accident that begs serious questions of the operator’s procedures and culture.
Execuflight Hawker 700 N237WR Akron Accident: Casual Compliance Read Post »
Despite poor visibility the crew of an executive helicopter pressed on and collided with a 39 storey building in Seoul. We look at the safety lessons.
CFIT Gangnam Style – Korean S-76C++ and Decision Making Read Post »
This document has been collaboratively written by IATA, CANSO, IFATCA and IFALPA, to address the problems surrounding unstable approaches.
IATA Unstable Approaches, Risk Mitigation Policies, Procedures and Best Practices Read Post »
A China Eastern A330 crossed in front of a China Eastern A320 taking off. CAAC report the separation was just 19m vertical and 13m horizontal and have issued a reconstruction video.
High Potential Runway Incursion at Shanghai 11 Oct 2016 Read Post »
