Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Water Impact
French Navy S-100 accident: A previously identified failure mode occured prior to the completion of a roll-out of a product improvement.
Schiebel Camcopter S-100 Water Impact Read Post »
A Maintenance Error Preceded a Fiery Fatal AS350B3 Accident
A high base maintenance workload and disruptions resulted in a forced landing. A boundary fence post punctured the fuel tank and a post crash fire followed.
A Maintenance Error Preceded a Fiery Fatal AS350B3 Accident Read Post »
Bo105 Loss of Control in DVE & Water Impact
LOC-I in worsening weather & water impact of a Coast Guard helicopter supporting marine nav aids. Survivability issues mean both occupants perished.
Bo105 Loss of Control in DVE & Water Impact Read Post »
Firefighting K-Max Water Impact After A Close Pass by a S-64 Skycrane
A loss of separation after aircraft were redistributed due to smoke, results in and airprox and downwash affecting the smaller helicopter.
Firefighting K-Max Water Impact After A Close Pass by a S-64 Skycrane Read Post »
Cold Comfort Conference Call: USAF F-35A Alaska Accident
A $196.5 mn organisational accident: a conference call and a contaminated barrel.
Cold Comfort Conference Call: USAF F-35A Alaska Accident Read Post »
B214ST Tail Rotor Drive Shaft Coupling Misassembly
A maintenance error resulted in a loss of TR drive on a firefighting B214ST. We look at three airworthiness related incidents with the same airframe in UKCS offshore operations.
B214ST Tail Rotor Drive Shaft Coupling Misassembly Read Post »
Engine & Emergency Flotation Failures – Greenland B206L4 Ditching
A tiny loose turbine bearing tang triggers an autorotation but frozen water in a hose caused the EFS to malfunction. SB/ICA changes for engine and EFS.
Engine & Emergency Flotation Failures – Greenland B206L4 Ditching Read Post »
S-76D Loss of Control on Approach to an Indian Drilling Rig
A low time on type crew lost control while distracted. Everyone escaped but 4 died in the water due to poor briefings and inadequate rescue capability.
S-76D Loss of Control on Approach to an Indian Drilling Rig Read Post »
Windward’s Wayward Rain Pants Down an H500: Loose Article Hazards
A skilful landing after a loss of tail rotor drive triggered by the loss overboard of a loose article. The occupants were lucky…we look at a series of case studies – some were fatal.
Windward’s Wayward Rain Pants Down an H500: Loose Article Hazards Read Post »
Fukushima Police AW139 Loss of Control Accident: JTSB Final Report
LOC-I after Force Trim Release pressed while encountering a downdraft. TRDS had been severed by Main Rotor. All 7 POB survive.
Fukushima Police AW139 Loss of Control Accident: JTSB Final Report Read Post »
Two Offshore Passengers in GOM Survive Single Pilot Fatal Incapacitation
Despite a slow emergency response, 2 passengers survive after pilot incapacitated 2 weeks after a Class 1 medical. Second fatal pilot incapacitation in GOM in 2022.
Two Offshore Passengers in GOM Survive Single Pilot Fatal Incapacitation Read Post »
Fatal Offshore S-76C++ LOC-I & Water Impact Brazil 2022: CENIPA Investigation
The Aircraft Commander / Instructor died after a water impact during the first flight of a command course following a loss of control on approach to a NUI.
Fatal Offshore S-76C++ LOC-I & Water Impact Brazil 2022: CENIPA Investigation Read Post »
Air Ambulance Bell 407 Pitch Links & Swashplate Drive Arm Bent in Double Bird Strike
Two birds struck a helicopter air ambulance with one damaging a pitch link and the swashplate drive arm, causing strong vibration. A safe landing was made.
Air Ambulance Bell 407 Pitch Links & Swashplate Drive Arm Bent in Double Bird Strike Read Post »
Air Ambulance Pilot’s Visor Smashed in Double Bird Strike
An impact with two red-tail hawks smashed the windscreen & the visor of the pilot’s helmet and ripped the helmet off. A safe landing was made
Air Ambulance Pilot’s Visor Smashed in Double Bird Strike Read Post »
Fatal USCG SAR Training Flight: Inadvertent IMC
Lack of established procedures and lack of night/NVG over-water SAR recency feature in this 2012 USCG accident.
Fatal USCG SAR Training Flight: Inadvertent IMC Read Post »
Drift into Danger: AW109SP Night HLS Accident
Helicopter landing site suitability, flight planning and Threat & Error Management are all topics discussed in this AAIB report where an AW109 contacted trees during a night take off.
Drift into Danger: AW109SP Night HLS Accident Read Post »
HEMS H145 Bird Strike
Even though the bird entered at floor level, the HEMS pilot’s helmet was still splattered with debris.
HEMS H145 Bird Strike Read Post »
Night Offshore Helicopter Approach Water Impact
A night visual approach resulted in illusions that resulted in a water impact. Everyone on board was rescued but not before highlighting many survivability & SAR enhancements, as well as triggering improved helideck lighting and TAWS improvements.
Night Offshore Helicopter Approach Water Impact Read Post »
Air Ambulance EC135 Loss of Control & Main Rotor / Engine Overspeeds
An inflight upset, consistent with a SAS/AP CUT, resulted in a rotor overspeed, and reduction of power from both engines
Air Ambulance EC135 Loss of Control & Main Rotor / Engine Overspeeds Read Post »
Police Helicopter Unanticipated Yaw & Fatal Water Impact
LOC-I. TFO died after being trapped after a water impact. NTSB Probable Cause: The helicopter’s encounter with unanticipated right yaw during a low-altitude, low-airspeed, tight-radius orbit.
Police Helicopter Unanticipated Yaw & Fatal Water Impact Read Post »
Multi-Tasking Managers & Deficient Operational Control: Low Viz AS350B3 Take-Off Accident
Two people died after a loss of visual references shortly after take-off in the transition from vertical to horizontal flight. NSIA point to organisational and systemic factors.
Fire-fighting Bell 204B Underwater Escape
A pilot credits HUET for his escape from a submerged fire-fighting helicopter.
Fire-fighting Bell 204B Underwater Escape Read Post »
Helicopter Water Impact Accident: Safety of Airborne Geophysical Survey Operations
An aerial survey accident highlights problems implementing flight following technology, the dangerous use of marine lifejackets and the value of considering competence.
Helicopter Water Impact Accident: Safety of Airborne Geophysical Survey Operations Read Post »
Investigation into B212 Accident off UAE 7 September 2023
We look at the accident investigation into a night offshore B212 accident.
Investigation into B212 Accident off UAE 7 September 2023 Read Post »
The Loss of RAF F-35B ZM152: An Organisational Accident
An £81 mn fighter is downed by FOD, one of its own intake blanks.
This case study illustrates James Reason’s concept of Organisational Accidents and how just asking “who left the intake blank ?” misses the real reasons behind this accident.
The Loss of RAF F-35B ZM152: An Organisational Accident Read Post »