Helicopter Ops and Safety – Gulf Of Mexico 2019 Update
A decline in GOM helicopter usage continues, especially in single engine helicopters. There were two fatal accidents in 2019.
Helicopter Ops and Safety – Gulf Of Mexico 2019 Update Read Post »
Helideck Lightning Strike: Damage Missed
An offshore helicopter was caught on deck in a thunderstorm. A helideck lightning strike was suspected but the helicopter damage was not spotted until ashore.
Helideck Lightning Strike: Damage Missed 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 »
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 »
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 »
European Search and Rescue (SAR) Competition Bonanza: Northern Norway SAR, Netherlands SARHC, Ireland SAR Aviation and UK’s UKSAR2G
There is a surge in business opportunities for outsourced government SAR contracts in Norway, Netherlands, Ireland and the UK for entry into service 2022-2024.
Sécurité Civile EC145 SAR Wirestrike
BEA-E examine the lessons from a wire strike, spectacularly captured on video, while rescuing a jet-skier close to shore that severed the hoist cable causing two people to fall into the sea.
Sécurité Civile EC145 SAR Wirestrike Read Post »
SAR Helicopter Loss of Control at Night: ATSB Report
Night SAR single pilot. While descending it entered a degraded visual environment and an inappropriate automation was made. ROD peaked at 1,952 ft/min. Aircraft pulled up at just 31 ft AGL. It was also flown on one more flight after the 159.5% over-torque.
SAR Helicopter Loss of Control at Night: ATSB Report Read Post »
Heli-Expo 2020 Photo Report
Photos from HAI Heli-Expo 2020 in Anaheim, CA.
Heli-Expo 2020 Photo Report Read Post »
Fatal Taiwanese Night SAR Mission
A winchman and casualty died when they impacted the sea at speed during hoisting at night with a helicopter that lacked autohover.
Fatal Taiwanese Night SAR Mission Read Post »
Fall From Stretcher During Taiwanese SAR Mission
As night draws in a SAR crew accept a casualty in a stretcher provided by a ship. During the hoist the stretcher starts to spin and the casualty falls to his death.
Fall From Stretcher During Taiwanese SAR Mission Read Post »
Ditching of Bristow S-76C++, Off Nigeria, 3 February 2016
The compass was not returned to slave mode on take off from an FPSO. Subsequent aircraft behaviour convinced the crew they should ditch.
Ditching of Bristow S-76C++, Off Nigeria, 3 February 2016 Read Post »
Helicopter Ops and Safety – Gulf Of Mexico 2018 Update
A decline in GOM helicopter usage continues. There was only one air accident in 2018.
Helicopter Ops and Safety – Gulf Of Mexico 2018 Update Read Post »
S-76C+ MLG Collapsed Due to Pothole
An oil and gas helicopter suffered an accident when it struck a pothole In Louisiana.
S-76C+ MLG Collapsed Due to Pothole Read Post »
ADA AW139 A6-AWN Ditching off UAE, 29 April 2017: Final Report
The GCAA AAIS discuss the cause of a precautionary ditching and examine the performance of flotation and survival features.
ADA AW139 A6-AWN Ditching off UAE, 29 April 2017: Final Report Read Post »
BFU Investigate S-76B Descending to 20ft at 40 kts En Route in Poor Visibility
The German safety investigation body, the BFU, has issued their final report into a serious incident that occurred to a Sikorsky S-76B returning from an offshore electricity sub-station.
BFU Investigate S-76B Descending to 20ft at 40 kts En Route in Poor Visibility Read Post »
SAR Crew With High Workload Land Wheels Up on Beach
JTSB look at an inadvertent wheels up landing during a SAR mission.
SAR Crew With High Workload Land Wheels Up on Beach 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 »
“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 »
Hoist Assembly Errors: SAR Personnel Dropped Into Sea
Taiwanese investigators determined that the hoist hook had been inappropriately assembled during maintenance 2 days earlier.
Hoist Assembly Errors: SAR Personnel Dropped Into Sea 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 »
DMAIB: Risk Assessment Facilitated Taking Risks
Key staff made redundant, a risk management system that facilitated risk prone operations and a perception of being industry frontrunners, capable of solving difficult and novel tasks all feature in this accident.
DMAIB: Risk Assessment Facilitated Taking Risks Read Post »
Irish Coast Guard Select Aerossurance as SAR Aviation Consultancy
The IRCG select Aerossurance as their new aviation consultants. The IRCG contract 5 S-92A SAR helicopters.
Irish Coast Guard Select Aerossurance as SAR Aviation Consultancy Read Post »
Production Errors on a SAR AW139 Helicopter Full Ice Protection System
A catastrophic accident was prevented by the electrical harness. A series of quality issues were found in the FIPS. In particular screws intended for another part of the unit had been fitted and bottomed out leading to a fatigue failure.
Production Errors on a SAR AW139 Helicopter Full Ice Protection System Read Post »