Legends: When HM Customs & Excise Sank the Drug Running Tug Adherence in the Bay of Biscay
A WWII tug covertly purchased by HM Customs and unofficially renamed Adherence II (fittingly a not very watertight ‘legend’) sinks in the Bay of Biscay.
When a Crew Intentionally Left Their Aircraft Running Knowing it Would Damage Itself…
An unusual event, rapid innovation & collaboration and a good example why culpability decision aids can be a distraction.
When a Crew Intentionally Left Their Aircraft Running Knowing it Would Damage Itself… Read Post »
Improvised Ice Road IMC Approaches – Twin Otter CFIT
A VFR flight continued in deteriorating weather, over reliant on EFB data and attempting ‘improvised’ instrument approaches in IMC.
Improvised Ice Road IMC Approaches – Twin Otter CFIT Read Post »
A Screw in the Wrong Place…A Loss of Hoist Cable
An error of just a few millimetres resulted in a Breeze-Eastern hoist cable being dropped by an AW139…
A Screw in the Wrong Place…A Loss of Hoist Cable Read Post »
Flat Light B206L4 Alaskan CFIT & 11 Hour Emergency Response Delay
A shocking flight following failure after a flat light North Slope CFIT/Water Impact.
Flat Light B206L4 Alaskan CFIT & 11 Hour Emergency Response Delay Read Post »
Engine & Emergency Flotation Failures – Greenland B206L4 Ditching
A tiny loose turbine bearing tang triggers an autorotation but frozen water in a hose caused the EFS to malfunction. SB/ICA changes for engine and EFS.
Engine & Emergency Flotation Failures – Greenland B206L4 Ditching Read Post »
AS365 Crewman Dragged from Boat During SAR Training
A SAR crewman slipped on the deck of a vessel and due to miscommunication was pulled overboard by their helicopter and dragged through the sea.
AS365 Crewman Dragged from Boat During SAR Training Read Post »
S-76D Loss of Control on Approach to an Indian Drilling Rig
A low time on type crew lost control while distracted. Everyone escaped but 4 died in the water due to poor briefings and inadequate rescue capability.
S-76D Loss of Control on Approach to an Indian Drilling Rig Read Post »
Two Rescuers Fell When Hoist Cable Damaged After a Loss of Hover Reference
Loss of hover reference during a medevac from a ship leads to hoist cable contact, catastrophic damage and two serious injuries.
Two Rescuers Fell When Hoist Cable Damaged After a Loss of Hover Reference Read Post »
Korean SAR S-76B Mountain Rescue Accident 2020
During a mountain rescue, hoisting a casualty aboard resulted in a catastrophic aircraft loss and two fatalities.
29 Seconds to Impact: A Fatal Night Offshore Approach in the Irish Sea
A loss of control on approach to a helideck at night that completes a trilogy of case studies where visual cueing at offshore platforms is believed to have been a significant factor.
29 Seconds to Impact: A Fatal Night Offshore Approach in the Irish Sea Read Post »
Dramatic AW139 Accident at Houma: Skillful Recovery from a Latent Production Defect
Exemplary airmanship after a production defect, dormant for 11 years emerged. We look at human centred design and a ‘scary version’ of current supply chain issues.
Dramatic AW139 Accident at Houma: Skillful Recovery from a Latent Production Defect Read Post »
Two Offshore Passengers in GOM Survive Single Pilot Fatal Incapacitation
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 »
Fatal Offshore S-76C++ LOC-I & Water Impact Brazil 2022: CENIPA Investigation
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 »
Fatal USCG SAR Training Flight: Inadvertent IMC
Lack of established procedures and lack of night/NVG over-water SAR recency feature in this 2012 USCG accident.
Night Offshore Helicopter Approach Water Impact
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.
South Korean Night Black Hole Spatial Disorientation Fatal Helicopter Accident
We translate a South Korean report into an emergency service helicopter accident investigation. Spatial disorientation, use of automation and heliport management issues.
South Korean Night Black Hole Spatial Disorientation Fatal Helicopter Accident Read Post »
Helicopter Water Impact Accident: Safety of Airborne Geophysical Survey Operations
An aerial survey accident highlights problems implementing flight following technology, the dangerous use of marine lifejackets and the value of considering competence.
Helicopter Water Impact Accident: Safety of Airborne Geophysical Survey Operations Read Post »
Investigation into B212 Accident off UAE 7 September 2023
We look at the accident investigation into a night offshore B212 accident.
Investigation into B212 Accident off UAE 7 September 2023 Read Post »
The Loss of RAF F-35B ZM152: An Organisational Accident
An £81 mn fighter is downed by FOD, one of its own intake blanks.
This case study illustrates James Reason’s concept of Organisational Accidents and how just asking “who left the intake blank ?” misses the real reasons behind this accident.
The Loss of RAF F-35B ZM152: An Organisational Accident Read Post »
BK117 Offshore Medevac CFIT & Survivability Issues
An offshore medevac accident that highlights considering the changing risk of an individual flight, flight path management in degrading conditions and offshore survivability in a ‘regulatory void’.
BK117 Offshore Medevac CFIT & Survivability Issues Read Post »
Twisted Firestarters
Two Australian occurrences were helicopters have triggered bushfires.
Fatal GOM B407 Offshore Take Off Accident: Safety, Helideck & SAR / Emergency Response Questions
The NTSB Preliminary Report is issued on what was the second RLC accident in 2 weeks.
Blinded by Light, Spanish Customs AS365 Crashed During Night-time Hot Pursuit
A helicopter contracted by Spanish customs hit the sea at night when descending to intercept smugglers. The sensor operator in the cabin died.
Blinded by Light, Spanish Customs AS365 Crashed During Night-time Hot Pursuit Read Post »
SAR Seat Slip Smash
An RCAF SAR crew were surprised when the Pilot Flying’s seat unexpectedly descended to its lowest position while hovering.