Torched Tennessee Tour Trip (B206L N16760)
A B206 crash resistant fuel system mod has been available since 1994. No one has EVER bought the mod kit…
Torched Tennessee Tour Trip (B206L N16760) Read Post »
Inappropriate Autorotation Training: Police AS350
A US police AS350B3 Engine Off Landing was practiced on a part rocky, part boggy peninsular, 28 miles drive from emergency assistance. A hard landing damaged the helicopter but fortunately there were no injuries. NTSB highlight Airbus’ advice on such training.
Inappropriate Autorotation Training: Police AS350 Read Post »
In-Flight Flying Control Failure: Indonesian Sikorsky S-76C+ PK-FUP
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 »
US HEMS EC135P1 Dual Engine Failure: 7 July 2018
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 »
Wayward Window: Fatal Loss of a Fire-Fighting Helicopter in NZ
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 »
Hard Landing after VRS on Approach to a Hospital Site
A Vortex Ring State developed during a tailwind approach to a hospital.
Hard Landing after VRS on Approach to a Hospital Site Read Post »
HF Lessons from an AS365N3+ Gear Up Landing
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 »
Load Lost Due to Misrigged HESLO Under Slung Load Control Cable
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 »
Helicopter Ops and Safety – Gulf Of Mexico 2017 Update
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 »
Italian HEMS AW139 Inadvertent IMC Accident
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 »
Helicopter Wildlife Netting Accidents
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 »
US Fatal Night HEMS Accident: Self-Induced Pressure & Inadequate Oversight
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 »
NTSB Comes Out For Gun Control
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 »
“Delivering Our Priorities”: HeliOffshore 2018 Conference Report
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 »
Helicopter Throttle Bracket Left Unsecured After Maintenance
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 »
An AW109SP, Overweight VIPs and Crew Stress
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 »
NTSB Probable Causes and Bad Apples
Do accident reports make the error of treating human error as a cause not a symptom?
NTSB Probable Causes and Bad Apples Read Post »
The “Hold My Beer” Helicopter Accident
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 »
EC120 Forgotten Walkaround
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 »
Fatal Engine Power Loss: Powerline Helicopter Not Modified IAW OEM Recommendations
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 »
Heli-Expo 2018 Photo Report
News and photos from HAI Heli-Expo 2018 in Las Vegas, NV.
Heli-Expo 2018 Photo Report Read Post »
Swedish Military NOE Helicopter Bird Strike
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 »
NTSB Reveal Lax Maintenance Standards in Honolulu Tour Helicopter Accident
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 »
Fatal Fall From B429 During Helicopter Hoist Training
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 »
Wasp Stung By Lack of Lubrication
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 »