The NTSB preliminary report on a PC-12 ditching during a Pacific ferry flight points to a flameout while adjusting the ferry fuel system. Both crew were rescued after 22 hours in a raft.
Pilatus PC-12 Pacific Ditching Read Post »
Spatial disorientation in night IMC during an air ambulance helicopter missed approach resulted in a fatal loss of control. The operator’s second night accident in less than three years in similar circumstances.
Air Ambulance A109S Spatial Disorientation in Night IMC Read Post »
Evidence is consistent with a practice autorotation being attempted to an ‘unsuitable’ Alaskan beach. Nr drooped, helicopter hit the sea, survivor found after a delayed emergency response. Airbus advises only ‘minimal crew’ for such training.
Alaskan AS350B3e Accident: Botched Autorotation Practice? Read Post »
After a power loss, this air tour helicopter force landed on a beach. Everyone on board survived a 40 ft/s (12.2 m/s) impact, saved by helicopter design features, but the severity of some injuries may have been less if harnesses were correctly worn.
Hawaiian Air Tour EC130T2 Hard Landing after Power Loss (Part 2 – Survivability) Read Post »
A confused response to an engine issue earlier in the day, a sudden power loss and a failed autorotation…but crashing into trees was decisive in the two occupants’ survival say NSIA.
Latent Engine Defect Downs R44: NR Dropped to Zero During Autorotation Read Post »
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 »
Possible self-induced commercial pressure and task fixation may have been factors in a HESLO accident involving a loss of visual reference at a mountain top site on lift 29 of 30, resulting in spatial disorientation and a partial loss of control say AIB Denmark.
Inadvertent Entry into IMC During Mountaintop HESLO Read Post »
A fatal water impact is caught by a tuna boat’s CCTV.
Fish Spotting Helicopter Strikes ‘Glassy’ Sea Read Post »
CFIT on approach to land in flat light conditions on a glacier. Unrestrained cargo resulted in serious injuries to the pilot. This and an accident the next day have resulted in more attention on the requirements for stowing cargo.
Alaskan AS350 CFIT With Unrestrained Cargo in Cabin Read Post »
Only when looking beyond the completely obvious cause and effect can you see that the accident is more complicated. Obstacle mapping and procedures for approaching ad hoc sites of note.
Norwegian HEMS Landing Wirestrike Read Post »
Engine failure incorrectly diagnosed during an autorotation check midway through a ferry flight. Flight following failed to respond but the CEO did. Local SAR RCC capability challenged.
SAR Questions Feature in PNG AIC B427 Accident Investigation Read Post »
The operator had “wide-ranging deficiencies” said a Transport Canada audit but was allowed to continue to operate before a scheduled suspension came into force.
Smoke from anACM bearing failure lead to an evacuation. But doing steps without the checklist resulted in the engines not being shut down beforehand and pax confusion on whether this was an emergency.
Premature A319 Evacuation With Engines Running Read Post »
A Robinson R22 suddenly fails to respond to control inputs and descends and impacts the sea. Investigators find a tie-down wrapped around the main rotor head.
Troublesome Tiedowns: The Sequel Read Post »
Concerns had been raised about the pilot and the operation just days before this fatal accident. It highlights the importance of doing a proper due diligence and having independent aviation expertise available when contracting for special mission support.
Survey Aircraft Fatal Accident: Fatigue, Fuel Mismanagement and Prior Concerns Read Post »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Fan flutter triggered a fan blade failure that was misdiagnosed. 47 died in the crash near the Leicestershire village of Kegworth.
British Midland Boeing 737-400 G-OBME Fatal Accident, Kegworth 8 January 1989 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 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 »
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 »
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 »
Maintaining an effective emergency response capability is critical to any organisation contracting for helicopter operations in a hostile environment.
Offshore Helicopter Emergency Response Read Post »
