Air Ambulance Helicopter Downed by Fencing FOD
The need to be cautious of hidden debris is highlighted by this NTSB report.
Air Ambulance Helicopter Downed by Fencing FOD Read Post »
Shocking Accident: Two Workers Electrocuted During HESLO
There was an inadequate pre-task briefing, and an undersized team. Operations continued as drizzle started in order to use all the mixed concrete. A device that would have increased separation from the live line was on-site but not used.
Shocking Accident: Two Workers Electrocuted During HESLO Read Post »
SAR AS365N3 Flying Control Disconnect: BFU Investigation
The BFU investigated how flying controls of a SAR helicopter became disconnected. A nut was reused. Torque was insufficient. Lubrication was applied incorrectly. A cotter pin was likely omitted. The maintenance was also not signed off.
SAR AS365N3 Flying Control Disconnect: BFU Investigation Read Post »
Air Ambulance Helicopter Fell From Kathmandu Hospital Helipad (Video)
Airbus AS350B2 9N-ALR of Simrik Air, fell from the helipad on top of the 12-storey Grande International Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal, ending on the hospital roof c3 m below.
Air Ambulance Helicopter Fell From Kathmandu Hospital Helipad (Video) Read Post »
NTSB Investigation into AW139 Bahamas Night Take Off Accident
Newly released data in the NTSB public docket suggests that the accident that killed 7, including coal billionaire Chris Cline, was likely due to a Somatogravic Illusion causing spatial disorientation during the night take off.
NTSB Investigation into AW139 Bahamas Night Take Off Accident Read Post »
Fatal Mi-8 Loss of Control – Inflight and Water Impact off Svalbard
While on a VFR approach below minima to a mine site there was a loss of visual reference and a Loss of Control – Inflight. The helicopter impacted the water but neither aircraft nor occupants were equipped for sea survival. All 8 POB likely drowned or quickly succumb to hypothermia in 2°C water.
Fatal Mi-8 Loss of Control – Inflight and Water Impact off Svalbard Read Post »
Pilot Goose(d) Surprised and Crashed
This MD500E helicopter crashed moments after entering a hover when the pilot was surprised by geese.
Pilot Goose(d) Surprised and Crashed Read Post »
Ambulance / Air Ambulance Collision
At night a ground ambulance driver manoeuvred closer not realising the rotor blades were turning. Exactly 6 months earlier a drunk driver had driven into the same helicopter!
Ambulance / Air Ambulance Collision Read Post »
Inadvertent Entry into IMC During Mountaintop HESLO
Possible self-induced commercial pressure and task fixation may have been factors in a HESLO accident involving a loss of visual reference at a mountain top site on lift 29 of 30, resulting in spatial disorientation and a partial loss of control say AIB Denmark.
Inadvertent Entry into IMC During Mountaintop HESLO Read Post »
AW139 Brownout Accident with the Nigerian VP Aboard
Security surrounding the VP’s travel meant the crew were given little time to consider an ad hoc landing site. They were reassured that a police B412 had landed safely, but they had not been trained in brownout landings and came into a hover…
AW139 Brownout Accident with the Nigerian VP Aboard Read Post »
Impromptu Landing – Unseen Cable
A pilot flying a Swedish reindeer herding flight attempts to land due to a change in circumstances (the reindeer have emigrated to Norway!) but a high landing site recce fails to detect a telephone cable…
Impromptu Landing – Unseen Cable Read Post »
HESLO AS350B2 Dropped Load – Phase Out of Spring-Loaded Keepers for Keeperless Hooks
A HESLO operator moves to keeperless hooks after a 700 kg load was lost during powerline refurbishment in Scotland.
HESLO AS350B2 Dropped Load – Phase Out of Spring-Loaded Keepers for Keeperless Hooks Read Post »
Vortex Ring State: Virginia State Police Bell 407 Fatal Accident
After a change in tasking from surveillance to escorting the Governor’s motorcade, this police helicopter climbed and slowed, falling victim to Vortex Ring State (VRS) say the NTSB. While there is much discussed about recovery from VRS, avoidance is even more critical.
Vortex Ring State: Virginia State Police Bell 407 Fatal Accident Read Post »
OH-58C Crash After MRB Fatigue Crack
This accident begs further questions about the FAA approach to ex-military helicopters and the adequacy of continued airworthiness activity of non-OEM TC Holders.
OH-58C Crash After MRB Fatigue Crack Read Post »
A Baffled Attitude Fuel Starvation Accident
The operator upped the minimum fuel load after this accident once it was realised that high nose up attitudes and fuel tank baffles could result in fuel starvation.
A Baffled Attitude Fuel Starvation Accident Read Post »
Drone / Helicopter Mid Air Collision over LA City Hall ‘Probable’ Say NTSB
“An inflight collision with a hard object of polycarbonate construction, with size and features consistent with that of a small UAS (drone)” say NTSB.
Drone / Helicopter Mid Air Collision over LA City Hall ‘Probable’ Say NTSB Read Post »
Maintenance Issues in Fire-Fighting S-61A Accident
An engine power loss due to contamination in the overhaul shop and wire locking left on a quick release mechanism conspired in this fire-fighting helicopter crash.
Maintenance Issues in Fire-Fighting S-61A Accident Read Post »
A Try and See Catastrophe: R44 Accident in Norway in Bad Weather
A low experience pilot waits for the weather to improve but likely suffers from confirmation bias and takes off later in the day on what the AIBN call a “try and see” basis. Video footage from a GoPro showed extremely poor weather during the fatal 5 minute flight.
A Try and See Catastrophe: R44 Accident in Norway in Bad Weather Read Post »
Freewheel Jerk on an SA330J Puma at Sea: Oil Analysis Opportunity
NTSB say oil analysis could have provided early detection of freewheel unit deterioration on a Puma operating on contract to the US Navy for VERTREP.
Freewheel Jerk on an SA330J Puma at Sea: Oil Analysis Opportunity Read Post »
Fish Spotting Helicopter Strikes ‘Glassy’ Sea
A fatal water impact is caught by a tuna boat’s CCTV.
Fish Spotting Helicopter Strikes ‘Glassy’ Sea Read Post »
Fatal Wisconsin Wire Strike When Robinson R44 Repositions to Refuel
There is a theory that people let down their guard when the more complex part of a task is complete.
Fatal Wisconsin Wire Strike When Robinson R44 Repositions to Refuel Read Post »
Survival Flight Fatal Accident: Air Ambulance Operator’s Poor Safety Culture
A poor safety culture normalised rushed departure with inadequate preparation to do an air ambulance flight two other operators had turned down. The helicopter encountered snow and struck the ground during an Inadvertent IMC escape manoeuvre. Poor FAA oversight was contributory say NTSB.
Survival Flight Fatal Accident: Air Ambulance Operator’s Poor Safety Culture Read Post »
Culture and CFIT in Côte d’Ivoire
French investigators point to wider cultural issues in an overseas military accident.
Culture and CFIT in Côte d’Ivoire Read Post »
AS350B3 Rolls Over: Pilot Caught Out By Engine Control Differences
A pilot familiar with controls on the Arriel 2B1 powered AS350B3 got caught out preparing to take off in a 2B powered aircraft while simultaneously the collective was not properly locked.
AS350B3 Rolls Over: Pilot Caught Out By Engine Control Differences Read Post »
AS350B3 Dynamic Rollover When Headset Cord Snags Unguarded Collective
Attempting to visually confirm the aircraft was stable had an unintended consequence.
AS350B3 Dynamic Rollover When Headset Cord Snags Unguarded Collective Read Post »