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 »
Dramatic Loss of Control During AS350 Landing Practice
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 »
Tool Bag Takes Out Tail Rotor: Fatal AS350B2 Accident, Tweed, ON
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 »
Bell V-280 Valor Tilt Rotor First Flight
Bell Helicopter made the first flight of their Joint Multi Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) V-280 Valor tilt rotor on 18 December 2017 in Texas.
Bell V-280 Valor Tilt Rotor First Flight Read Post »
Swedish NH90 CFIT: Pilot Experience and Skating on Frozen Lake
A crew with low experience on type had a lucky escape when they inadvertently descended and struck a frozen lake during an exercise in Norway.
Swedish NH90 CFIT: Pilot Experience and Skating on Frozen Lake Read Post »
Coking Causes Power Loss: Australian AS350BA
Coking in an oil jet resulted in a turbine shaft failure during a low level survey. The emergency landing was handled in a “competent and proficient manner” say ATSB.
Coking Causes Power Loss: Australian AS350BA Read Post »
Unexpected Load: B407 USL / External Cargo Accident in PNG
Miscommunication and poor ground crew briefing resulted in a long-line and load snagging on a B407 at take off causing a crash.
Unexpected Load: B407 USL / External Cargo Accident in PNG Read Post »