19-Sep-2011
There has been a fatal accident of an Agusta-Bell 412 in the Granada region of Spain, killing all three on board. Although a firefighting helicopter, it was not active in that role but on a ferry flight The HeliHub.com page for... Read more
19-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
JetRanger from the German operator Rotorflug was operating out of Jerez airport in Spain on a filming detail when it had a problem and force landed in a narrow Spanish street. HeliHub.com safety data records this accident at:- 18-Sep-11 D-HONY Bell B206B El Puerto de Santa MarÃa, Spain... Read more
17-Sep-2011Source: IHST
Administrator Randy Babbitt of the Federal Aviation Administration and Vice Chairman Robert Sumwalt of the National Transportation Safety Board will be featured speakers at the International Helicopter Safety Symposium taking place in Fort Worth, TX, on Nov. 8-9.  The theme of the fifth annual symposium for the worldwide helicopter industry will be Human Factors: our Collective... Read more
16-Sep-2011Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Sikorsky S-92A G-IACC at Scatsa on 30th March 2011 EC120B Colibri, G-FEDA at Redhill on 4th June 2011... Read more
14-Sep-2011Source: FAA
This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) advises aircraft operators, Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), FAA repair stations and Flight Standards District Offices, and Foreign Civil Aviation Authorities that grade 100VLL aviation gasoline meeting the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) fuel specification D910 is acceptable for use on aircraft and engines certificated for operation with... Read more
14-Sep-2011
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. agreed to settle Australian insurance claims stemming from a 2005 crash by a Royal Australian Navy helicopter in Indonesia in which nine people were killed. (see full story)... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: FAA
Introduction This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) identifies new and revised guidance for industry related to Airworthiness Directive (AD) development and implementation processes. This SAIB provides recommendations for design approval holders (DAH) and owners/operators of transport category airplanes certificated under 14 CFR part 25. Implementation of the recommendations in this SAIB will improve the AD... Read more
13-Sep-2011Source: Israeli Defence Forces
Time stopped in the IAF as reports came in on Monday July 26th 2010 that contact had been lost with an IAF CH-53 Sikorsky helicopter that was training in Romania. As time passed, it became clear that the crew had been killed in the accident. The training session last year was planned in advance, one... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: UPI
Helicopters servicing drilling platforms and ships in the Gulf of Mexico crash on average six times per year, mostly from mechanical failure, a report says.... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: BBC
The Wiltshire Air Ambulance was stopped from taking a dying man to hospital after laser pens were shone at the pilot as he tried to land. The man later died on the way to hospital in a road ambulance, although there are no details on the medical state of the patient to know whether or... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: Metro News
Slave Lake in northern Alberta will honour Bell 212 pilot Jean-Luc Deba of Montreal, who was killed while fighting the wildfires that whipped through the town in May. (See full story) . Helihub.com page for this accident – 20-May-11 C-FJUR Bell 212 Slave Lake, Canada (1F). File photo... Read more
12-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The team at HeliHub.com provide a record of as many helicopter accidents and incidents as we can. Inevitably this includes what we believe to be the full list of fatal helicopter accidents, and we are presenting here the summary for August 2011. We indicate the number of fatalities in the summary line with the number... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: CHC
Tasked with delivering an EC225 from Aberdeen in the UK to Cabo Frio in Brazil, CHC knew the delivery of the aircraft would include a ferry flight of 9,500 nautical miles. Passing through twelve countries and using a total of 42,300 litres of fuel was a task definitely worthy of a Risk Assessment. “Some would... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: Robinson
Clutch Assembly Retaining Bolt Replacement... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: Robinson
Pop-Out Float Cylinder Valve... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: Robinson
Ground Handling Wheels and Wheel Supports... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: Robinson
MRGB Oil Level Fluctuation... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: Robinson
Fuel Shut-Off Valve Replacement... Read more
7-Sep-2011Source: Robinson
MRGB Oil Level Fluctuation... Read more
2-Sep-2011Source: HeliHub.com
HeliHub.com has heard that one or more of the current Doctor Heli fleet have become contaminated by radioactive material as a result of flying too close to the Fukushima nuclear plant which had the devastating failure resulting from March’s tsunami. After being passed as fit-to-fly by the authorities, Doctor Heli (or possibly one of their... Read more
2-Sep-2011Source: NZ CAA
Engine Exhaust – Cabin Heater System Failures... Read more
1-Sep-2011Source: FAA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2011-0596; Directorate Identifier 2008-SW-37-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Canada Ltd. Model BO 105 LS A-3 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ———————————————————————– SUMMARY: This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Canada Ltd.... Read more
1-Sep-2011Source: ATSB
Incident referred to is in HeliHub.com accident data at 28-Aug-11 YJ-HEL Hughes 369D South Malakula, Vanuatu (1F) On 29 August 2011, the ATSB was notified by the Vanuatu Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of an accident that occurred on the island of Maleluka, Vanuatu on 26 August 2011 and involved Hughes 369D helicopter, registered YJ-HEL. It... Read more
1-Sep-2011Source: FAA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2010-0904; Directorate Identifier 2010-NE-33-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 1B Turboshaft Engines AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD... Read more
1-Sep-2011
Flightglobal is this morning reporting that Brazil’s aviation authority ANAC has lifted its grounding on AW139s (see full story)... Read more
31-Aug-2011Source: South African Police Service
A helicopter pilot has appeared in the Pretoria magistrate court for flying and crashing a helicopter while his license was suspended. It is alleged that on the 2rd of December last year Rainier Prinsloo, whose license was suspended by the SA Civil Aviation Authority got involved in a helicopter crash at Baltimore in Limpopo. He,... Read more
31-Aug-2011Source: NoIR
At a recent trade event, NoIR Laser Company LLC presented GlareShieldâ„¢ Laser Safety glasses, which have been shown to be effective against malicious laser illuminations by pilots with the Los Angeles Police Department. In as many as 3 incidents in early July, 2011, LAPD Air Support Division helicopter crews were intentionally and maliciously illuminated or... Read more
31-Aug-2011
A man who stole a San Diego police detective’s guns last year and used them to shoot at Escondido police two days later was sentenced to 34 years to life in prison. (See full story)... Read more
31-Aug-2011Source: Houston Chronicle
In a court filing last Friday, PHI Inc. claims Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. withheld a report by one of its lead engineers because his analysis concluded Sikorsky’s faulty design caused its helicopter to crash near Morgan City. (see full story)... Read more
30-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
An extreme hailstorm in Germany on Friday has meant that all 18 helicopters present had to depart the event by road. A private fly-in at the Hotel Weißer Bär (“White Bear Hotel”) in Mülheim an der Mosel turned into a disaster as the tail end of storm “Bert” brought tennis-ball size hailstones, causing extensive damage.... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Russia’s Air Force have reportedly grounded their Mi-24 fleet following a fatal crash on Friday. The attack helicopter went down in the Far East region of Primorye earlier on Friday that killed one and injuring two others on board in the ensuing fire. As with all helicopter accidents and incidents, it is listed in our... Read more
29-Aug-2011Source: NTSB
Christopher Hart was sworn in today for his second two-year term as NTSB vice chairman. He became a board member for the second time on August 12, 2009, and six days later was designated as vice chairman by President Obama. Vice Chairman Hart had previously served as an NTSB board member from 1990 to 1993.... Read more
27-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Around 7pm local time on Friday evening, an Air Methods AS350B2 crashed in an open field killing the 58-year old female patient and three male crew. As with all helicopter accidents and incidents this is recorded in our Safety pages. The helicopter was operated in the colours of LifeNet. For more information on this specific... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: HAI
HAI President Matt Zuccaro encourages all HAI members and operators of aircraft to review security ahead of the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. U.S. officials have stepped up warnings over the threat posed by lone individuals or small groups. At this time no specific or credible information has been issued about... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: FAA
Tail rotor hub plug... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: FAA
Tail rotor blades... Read more
26-Aug-2011Source: FAA
Main rotor scissor fitting assembly... Read more
25-Aug-2011Source: EASA
Tail Rotor Blades... Read more
24-Aug-2011Source: NTSB
The NTSB has issued a long statement of recommendations to the FAA following their investigation of a May 2009 accident to a Robinson R44 operated by Alaska State Troopers. The recommendations are summarised at the end of the document as:- Therefore, the National Transportation Safety Board makes the following recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration:... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Robinson R44 Raven, G-GDOV – 16 May 2011 – Chagford, Devon... Read more
23-Aug-2011Source: C-NLOPB
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) today responded to the final report of the Offshore Helicopter Safety Inquiry entitled “Report and Recommendations arising from the Transportation Safety Board’s Reportâ€. The submission of this report signals the completion of the inquiry. The C-NLOPB wishes to extend its gratitude to Commissioner Robert Wells, Inquiry Counsel... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: American Eurocopter
The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) announced that it has launched social media profiles in an effort to increase awareness about the organization’s goal to reduce the civil helicopter accident rate by 80 per cent by 2016. American Eurocopter created the profiles in Facebook and Twitter, and has worked with IHST on the development of... Read more
21-Aug-2011Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today issued a final rule that prohibits air carriers and other certificate holders from employing certain former FAA aviation safety inspectors as company representatives to the agency for a period of two years after they have left the agency. “The flying public can rest assured that our aviation safety inspectors... Read more
18-Aug-2011Source: NTSB
Deborah Hersman was officially sworn in today for a second two-year term as NTSB chairman. She became chairman on July 28, 2009. She was nominated for the second term by President Barack Obama on June 28, 2011, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 2nd. “I am deeply honored to continue serving as chairman... Read more
16-Aug-2011Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that effective today air traffic controllers will once again be able to ride in aircraft cockpits with commercial pilots as part of a voluntary education program. The Flight Deck Training program is designed to improve safety by giving air traffic controllers a greater understanding of the pilots’ experience and... Read more
16-Aug-2011Source: USAIG
USAIG strengthens its efforts to promote safe flight with the appointment of Paul S. Ratté as its new director of aviation safety programs. Ratté, a career U.S. Coast Guard aviator, offers a wealth of advanced experience in aviation operations, safety and human factors, and emergency response management. He is among the service’s most decorated aviators,... Read more
12-Aug-2011Source: US DoD
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of 30 servicemembers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 6 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed. The following sailors assigned to an East Coast-based Naval Special Warfare unit were killed: Lt. Cmdr. (SEAL) Jonas B. Kelsall, 32,... Read more
11-Aug-2011Source: NTSB
The National Transportation Safety Board is devoting two days at its Training Center to offer guidance to aviation public affairs professionals on how to most effectively manage emergency communications following a major aircraft accident or incident. The training will be offered on October 13-14, 2011, at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia, (near Washington,... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: US Air Force
Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Colt will conduct the investigation of the crash of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan that killed 38 U.S. and Afghan service members, U.S. Central Command officials announced Aug. 9. Colt, deputy commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division, will begin his duties immediately. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, the... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: Daily Independent
Nigeria’s Accident Investigation Bureau has ruled out the possibility of taking the analysis of the fatal OAS Eurocopter AS350B2 accident abroad (full story) See also HeliHub.com page for this accident – 29-Jul-11 5N-BKA Eurocopter AS350B2 Ife-Odan, Nigeria (3F)... Read more
10-Aug-2011Source: FAASTeam
Fire Prevention and Safety Prevention Do not store flammable liquids outside of a fire proof storage locker. At the end of the work day or at break times, put the flammable liquids back in the locker. Used shop rags should only be stored in small containers with tight fitting lids that are spring loaded closed.... Read more
8-Aug-2011Source: NEMSPA
Make your opinion on heliports known and make it count! The National EMS Pilots Association is conducting a survey to gather opinion on heliport design and safety from those who are most affected by the design and management of heliport facilities – the nation’s helicopter pilots. We are seeking input from all pilots involved in... Read more
5-Aug-2011Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accidents of:- Bell 206L-4 Longranger IV, G-PTOO – 03 March 2011 – London City Airport... Read more
4-Aug-2011Source: CHC
A duty engineer informed the duty captain that he could smell gas in the CHC hangar at Stornoway, Scotland. The smell of gas was confirmed by fellow employees, prompting the duty captain to initiate the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Within minutes of smelling the gas, staff evacuated the entire building before the crew were relocated... Read more
3-Aug-2011
National police chief Wichean Potephosree has ordered a probe into some released satellite images that show a group of buildings near where the first two army helicopters crashed on July 16 and July 19. (Full story)  See also HeliHub.com report on recent accidents in Thailand... Read more
3-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
The team at HeliHub.com provide a record of as many helicopter accidents and incidents as we can. Inevitably this includes what we believe to be the full list of fatal helicopter accidents, and we are presenting here the summary for July 2011. We indicate the number of fatalities in the summary line with the number... Read more
1-Aug-2011Source: HeliHub.com
Illinois legislators have passed state-level law which will make it illegal to target a laser at the cockpit of an aircraft. The law was recently signed onto the statute books by Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn, as one of a package of new laws to fight crime and protect residents across the state, and will become... Read more
29-Jul-2011Source: Global Aerospace
Global Aerospace, Inc. is pleased to announce a partnership with the Kansas City Business Aviation Association (KCBAA) to offer a Human Factors and Leadership in Corporate Aviation Seminar. Learn how to control human factors hazards and measure risk with renowned Safety Expert, Dr. Tony Kern. Dr. Kern (CEO and Senior Partner of Convergent Performance) will... Read more
29-Jul-2011
Dual Automatic Flight Control System failure.... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: Business Standard
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended all helicopter operations at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse here, after a safety audit revealed it lacked fire-fighting facilities and was functioning without required regulatory approvals. (Full story)... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
State-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, which suspended services in six northeastern states after Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu and four others were killed in a crash, has resumed operations in all six states in the region. All services previously operated by single-engined helicopters will now be flown by twins, and a thorough check has... Read more
28-Jul-2011Source: HAI
As an aerospace manufacturer or service provider, your company may play a vital role in helping to reduce helicopter accidents. The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) is seeking industry solutions that will help address many accident related causes, and has organized an exhibit to showcase technologies designed to make helicopter flight safer. If your company... Read more
27-Jul-2011Source: ATP
Aircraft Technical Publishers (ATP®) has obtained a license agreement with Sikorsky Aerospace Service (SAS) to provide single-source, digital, technical publications services for operators of the Sikorsky S-92® helicopter. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the worldwide aftermarket division of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. This license will allow S-92 helicopter operators to benefit from... Read more
27-Jul-2011Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration issued additional “stop work orders†over the last twenty-four hours to construction and technology contractors for critical modernization projects around the country after Congress failed to pass an FAA bill. The FAA halted dozens of major projects ranging from long-term runway safety initiatives to NextGen air traffic control research and testing.... Read more
26-Jul-2011Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has set out its key safety objectives for the next two years at an industry launch event at its Gatwick headquarters. The CAA’s Safety Plan 2011 to 2013, which has been published in draft form, invites comment from all industry groups. A final version will be published in August.... Read more
26-Jul-2011Source: HeliHub.com
A 21-year old electrician working at Goodwood Airfield has opened a legal process seeking damages after being struck by flying debris from a crashing Robinson R44. As a result, Sebastian Ward had his leg amputated below the knee. Mr ward was installing wiring on a new hangar at Goodwood aerodrome when R44 Clipper G-CLPR crashed... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: Aeronautical Accessories
Bell Helicopter has announced that it has formed a distributor partnership to sell products from TrueView Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS), LLC under its Aeronautical Accessories brand. TrueView EVS’ infrared thermal imaging system improves flight safety in compromised flight conditions such as darkness or low light/low visibility conditionsand virtually eliminates the chance of controlled flight into terrain... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: Katz, Marshall & Banks
On June 28, 2011, David Simmons, a former Quality Assurance Supervisor for Sikorsky Global Helicopters (“SGHâ€), filed a whistleblower-retaliation charge against SGH, alleging that the company terminated him for complaining about extensive flight-safety issues and noncompliance with Federal Aviation Regulations at SGH’s Keystone Engine Services (“KESâ€) facility in Coatesville, PA. Simmons filed his complaint with... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: ATSB
You can now get the latest ATSB news and updates via our Twitter account:Â @ATSBinfo. We will use Twitter to tell you about a range of activities and initiatives, including: new and updated investigations investigation and research report releases new safety awareness products. Some things to keep in mind The ATSB will not guarantee responding to... Read more
25-Jul-2011Source: ATSB
Robinson R22 helicopter pilots are being cautioned of a drive belt risk following a fatal accident in north-west Queensland. On 9 May 2011, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter crashed after its drive belts failed during mustering operations near Julia Creek (the drive belts transmit engine power to the helicopter’s main and tail rotor blades).... Read more
