The investigators’ final report confirms that control was lost after a flying control connection failed after a loss of torque and progressive wear to the point of separation from the rod end. This accident highlights the need to make timely progress in accident investigations.
In-Flight Flying Control Failure: Indonesian Sikorsky S-76C+ PK-FUP Read Post »
NTSB indicate that a pilot used to the glass cockpit EC135P2+, who had only a brief online differences course for the EC135P1, oversped both engines when they were inadvertently set to manual control. This had happened in a 2006 fatal accident too. A modification to help prevent this had only been fitted to 2 of the 17 P1s in the US fleet.
US HEMS EC135P1 Dual Engine Failure: 7 July 2018 Read Post »
Investigators describe how the sudden loss of a window as a consequence of flying in a prohibited configuration may have made the pilot pitch up, allowing the under-slung fire-fighting bucket to strike the tail rotor.
Wayward Window: Fatal Loss of a Fire-Fighting Helicopter in NZ Read Post »
A Vortex Ring State developed during a tailwind approach to a hospital.
Hard Landing after VRS on Approach to a Hospital Site Read Post »
Human factors observations from the investigation into a wheels up landing of a French Navy helicopter during training in the South Pacific.
HF Lessons from an AS365N3+ Gear Up Landing Read Post »
A misrigged release unit control cable on a Japanese AS350 chaffed and released the load while manoeuvring.
Load Lost Due to Misrigged HESLO Under Slung Load Control Cable Read Post »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
News and photos from HAI Heli-Expo 2018 in Las Vegas, NV.
Heli-Expo 2018 Photo Report Read Post »
During a low-level night training flight a Swedish Armed Forces Agusta 109LUH collided with a large bird. We look at the safety lessons.
Swedish Military NOE Helicopter Bird Strike Read Post »
In a report released on 22 Feb 2018 the NTSB reveal shocking maintenance standards prior to an air tour accident in which a 16 year old boy died and his parents were seriously injured.
NTSB Reveal Lax Maintenance Standards in Honolulu Tour Helicopter Accident Read Post »
Less than a month after a formal training course, a winch operator fatally falls from a Police B429 during hoist training in Delaware.
Fatal Fall From B429 During Helicopter Hoist Training Read Post »
This Wasp crashed out of control. The military Maintenance Schedule assumed 200FH pa and an MGB overhaul ever 600FH. This MGB was fitted for 429 hours over 20 years.
Wasp Stung By Lack of Lubrication Read Post »
A helicopter was left spinning on the ramp after a tail strike when control was lost landing on a towed dolly, incapacitating both occupants in a horrific accident caught on video.
Dramatic Loss of Control During AS350 Landing Practice Read Post »
TSB say four died when a tool bag came loose and struck the TR of a helicopter carrying workers of an electricity utility company who were unrestrained in the cabin.
Tool Bag Takes Out Tail Rotor: Fatal AS350B2 Accident, Tweed, ON Read Post »
