25-Mar-2013Source: NBAA
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen today released the following statement in response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) decision to proceed with the closure of 149 contract air traffic control towers and other facilities across the United States, to comply with “sequestration,” or mandatory budget curtailments required of federal agencies:... Read more
25-Mar-2013Source: The Australian
An R44 that burst into flames when it crashed south of Sydney, killing four people, was fitted with older-style fuel tanks known to pose a fire hazard (See Full Story).... Read more
24-Mar-2013
On landing, pilot looked to ensure tail rotor clearance and inadvertently inputted cyclic. Helicopter rolled up on one skid and main rotor blades struck the ground. Helicopter was involved in load lifting operations... Read more
24-Mar-2013
Door separated and struck rotors. FAA quotes this as N571LF which is incorrect as that is a fixed-wing registration [if it is an ..LF registration, then N209LF and N506LF are EC130s based in Alabama]... Read more
23-Mar-2013
Helicopter substantially damaged in emergency landing on road. Bridegroom Rishi Ramdeo, his parents Vijay and Danmathie and best man Robert Soogram were injured after their helicopter crashed outside the wedding venue. The pilot and the groom were reported in a critical condition and the other occupants were treated for mild to serious injuries.... Read more
23-Mar-2013
Training accident. Main rotors severed tail boom, aircraft ended upright on its skids... Read more
22-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The Australian investigation authority ATSB has issued their final report on the fatal R22 accident on 3rd October last year which occurred 130 km west of Halls Creek in Western Australia. The summary is a blunt reminder of issues with confined areas, light levels etc What happened On 3 October 2012 the pilots of two... Read more
22-Mar-2013Source: Crown Office
On 1 April 2009 Super Puma helicopter AS332 L2 G-REDL crashed into the North Sea resulting in the deaths of all 16 men on board. Having carefully considered all the circumstances of this incident, Crown Counsel have decided that there is insufficient evidence for a prosecution and as result no criminal proceedings are instructed. The... Read more
21-Mar-2013
Clipped tree(s) during landing phase and crashed killing all four on board. Helicopter operator Bankstown Helicopters confirmed that the aircraft had been hired by a private pilot... Read more
21-Mar-2013
Two helicopters collided in white-out conditions during a police exercise. An AS332L2 and a EC155 had landed and kicked up a lot of snow. The pilot of a second AS332 landing soon after then suffered white-out and landed too close to the EC155, killing the pilot. Three other injuries reported.... Read more
21-Mar-2013
Two helicopters collided in white-out conditions during a police exercise. An AS332L2 and a EC155 had landed and kicked up a lot of snow. The pilot of a second AS332 landing soon after then suffered white-out and landed too close to the EC155, killing the pilot. Three other injuries reported.... Read more
20-Mar-2013Source: Eurocopter
The third round of tests at Eurocopter – which focused on the bevel gear shaft – is complete. The investigation timetable is proceeding according to plan, with each step bringing us closer to the probable causes and solutions. The investigation results are currently being analyzed and will be reported by Eurocopter in accordance with the... Read more
19-Mar-2013Source: Decoded Science
… reports about North Sea oil workers being put on slimming diets because their average weight over the last few years had increased so much (see full story)... Read more
19-Mar-2013
Vertical fin contacted pipe on landing on offshore platform... Read more
19-Mar-2013
Heavy landing, deforming the skids, on the side of Highway US-1 after engine malfunction... Read more
18-Mar-2013Source: AAIB
This Special Bulletin contains information on the progress of the investigation into the emergency lubrication systems and the Crash Position Indicators (CPI) for the accidents to G-REDW on 10 May 2012 and to G-CHCN on 22 October 2012. This follows the publication of previous Special Bulletins S2/2012, S3/2012, S5/2012, S6/2012 and S7/2012. Download report: S2-2013... Read more
18-Mar-2013Source: Nordic Rotors
The Swedish Accident Investigation Board (Statens Haverikommission, SHK) has published its final report after an accident that occurred on 6 September 2011 in Ånn, close to Åre, involving a Norwegian helicopter with the registration LN-OAB. The aircraft, a Robinson R44 Astro, was taking off for a private flight with three people onboard when the engine... Read more
16-Mar-2013
Three killed out of four on board a Russian Border Guard Mi-8 which crashed in poor visibility. A criminal investigation has been opened.... Read more
16-Mar-2013
Officials from the International Security Assistance Force said they have no indication that the helicopter was brought down by enemy activity in the area.... Read more
15-Mar-2013Source: AH+RT
A team of longtime helicopter and fire/rescue industry professionals have joined forces to enhance safety and training opportunities for companies, pilots and crewmembers alike. Advanced Helicopter + Rescue Techniques LLC (AH+RT), based in Portland, Ore., provides comprehensive training services covering a variety of rotary wing, aerial firefighting and technical rescue skill sets. The company also... Read more
15-Mar-2013
Post maintenance test flight. Cameron County Sheriff identified the deceased as pilot, William R. Croucher, 69, and two mechanics: Michael Lee Tyree, 55, and Timothy Lloyd Goehring, 41. Operator Era Helicopters made a brief statement confirming the accident... Read more
14-Mar-2013Source: IHST
The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) is adding additional focus to its safety efforts in the U.S. helicopter community by designating two of its current executives to lead the United States Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) and concentrate solely on safety issues within the U.S. civil helicopter community. This team will be co-chaired by industry and... Read more
14-Mar-2013Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue does not refer to any helicopters and this update is included in HeliHub.com for completeness.... Read more
14-Mar-2013
Crashed on take off for post-maintenance test flight... Read more
14-Mar-2013
Aircraft landed on its skids but tail boom severed (by main blades?) see photo.... Read more
13-Mar-2013Source: Carilion
As part of a move to better coordinate its air medical services, Carilion Clinic is building hangars and other facilities for emergency helicopters based at Lexington and Smith Mountain Lake. Construction will begin later this month on a hangar, crew quarters and offices on a half-acre site behind Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, the... Read more
13-Mar-2013Source: Tennessee Highway Patrol
Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons joined Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Colonel Tracy Trott to announce the permanent assignment of a THP helicopter and pilot to assist with aviation support of law enforcement in west Tennessee. This permanent aviation support will enhance public safety by increasing response time to incidents or missions... Read more
13-Mar-2013Source: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has teamed with Antipodean Aviation of Australia to offer survival training in emergency water landings for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The course covers pre-flight planning and emergency water landing techniques, as well as escape from a submerged aircraft cabin and sea survival techniques, including life preserver and life raft familiarization, and... Read more
12-Mar-2013Source: Bell
Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today an enhanced relationship with the Public Safety Aviation Accreditation Commission (PSAAC) a subsidiary of the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA), as part of Bell Helicopter’s continued commitment to advancing safety in the rotorcraft industry. Bell Helicopter is the exclusive sponsor in the development of PSAAC’s... Read more
12-Mar-2013
Accident around 1am local on night training mission. Both reservists killed, named by IDF as Lt.-Col. (res.) Noam Ron, 49, and Maj. (res.) Erez Flekser, 31. The pilots had radioed the Palmahim air base before the crash, saying they would land there in six minutes. There was no distress call prior to the accident.... Read more
12-Mar-2013
Major Misapa Mukupa was killed in an accident at Lusaka City Airport, while co-pilot Captain Kenneth Chilala sustained minor injuries... Read more
11-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
March 2013 has not started off well from the point of view of accident statistics, with seven fatal accidents in the first nine days. HeliHub.com carries extensive coverage of helicopter safety data and has included the following in recent reports 09-Mar-13 ZK-IHU Robinson R66 Oamaru Valley, New Zealand (1F) 07-Mar-13 Eurocopter/IAR SA330L Bacau, Romania (2F) 05-Mar-13... Read more
11-Mar-2013
Helicopter went down during rain storm... Read more
11-Mar-2013
Rotor downdraft caused the trunk of a parked vehicle parked in the lot to fly open. The trunk lid then flew back and smashed the back window of the vehicle.... Read more
9-Mar-2013Source: Executive Helishares
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce the handover of an AW109 Power to Executive HeliShares, a Briles Wing & Helicopter, Inc. Company, located in Van Nuys, California. Executive HeliShares has selected the AW109 Power and GrandNew product lines as the VIP platforms of choice for their exclusive Fractional Ownership Program on the West... Read more
9-Mar-2013Source: American Eurocopter
Med-Trans Corporation, a leading provider of air medical transport services, has ordered its 14th EC135 helicopter from American Eurocopterec135-med-trans-florida1 in the last six months. American Eurocopter announced the latest order Thursday at the Heli-Expo 2013 trade show in Las Vegas. The order, along with three others placed in December, is part of an agreement with... Read more
9-Mar-2013
Crashed in mountainous area in poor weather, flying for United Nations. Photo suggests controlled flight into terrain.... Read more
9-Mar-2013
Crashed on a ridge above the Oamaru Valley, east of Turangi, after dropping off a hunting party. The body of pilot Mark Didsbury was found 50m away from the helicopter... Read more
7-Mar-2013
Two killed and three injured when helicopter crashed on training flight. The two fatalities were named by the Romanian military as Petty Officer Lawrence Chiru and Sergeant Basil Manolache... Read more
7-Mar-2013
Emergency landing after bird strike – while flying a patient from Mitchell to Sioux Falls... Read more
6-Mar-2013Source: Bond Offshore Helicopters
Bond Offshore Helicopters Ltd (Bond), one of the UK’s leading providers of energy support services, is proud to be the first helicopter operator to become a full member of Step Change In Safety. Step Change In Safety was founded in 1997 by the principal oil and gas industry trade associations, with the aim of making... Read more
5-Mar-2013Source: Global Aerospace
Global Aerospace, a worldwide leading specialist aerospace insurer, announced that its cumulative financial investment in aviation safety programs since 2011 now totals more than USD $1.5 million. The company has long been the insurance industry leader in supporting aviation safety initiatives, many funded on behalf of its clients as well as for the aviation industry... Read more
5-Mar-2013
Crashed off the Vishakhapatnam harbour Two crew members were immediately rescued while two others were missing and a search was underway for them.... Read more
5-Mar-2013
Precautionary landing today at Terra Nova Park in Chula Vista. No one was injured as a result of the landing and there was no damage to the aircraft.... Read more
4-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
The National EMS Pilots Association has reached an agreement with HeliHub.com whereby our newsfeed is run on the home page of their website. The most recent ten news stories on HeliHub.com are available in a tabbed window, updated immediately a new story appears on the HeliHub.com website. In this role HeliHub.com is appointed as... Read more
4-Mar-2013Source: ASU
ASU announced today that they received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the Bell 205A-1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new STC was completed for the San Diego Sherriff’s Department. This aircraft will be used for aerial firefighting, search and rescue, airborne law enforcement and hoist equipmen. “This is the seventh aircraft modification... Read more
4-Mar-2013Source: Helivia Aero Taxi
Greenwich AeroGroup company, announced today it has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Captain Renato Clark as its Operations Director. Clark has more than 25 years of flying and management experience within the Brazilian military and the offshore oil and gas industry. Prior to joining Helivia, he held key positions with two major... Read more
4-Mar-2013
Crashed into a field and caught fire... Read more
3-Mar-2013
Helicopter struck wire and fell into river, killing teenage passenger and injuring the other three on board. On report stated there were traces of alcohol on the 40 year old pilot... Read more
3-Mar-2013
Crew Member (named as First Class Pvt Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Al Qah’tani ) fell from the helicopter and died during the celebration of the World Civil Defence Day... Read more
3-Mar-2013
Bird strike to side of helicopter very shortly after night take-off... Read more
2-Mar-2013
The helicopter from one fishing boat crashed into another boat while they were fishing near the Marshall Islands, seriously injuring a Chinese fisherman, 48-year old Shuiyao Wang, who died at sea two days later. Filipino pilot Thomas Bustos, 51, is being treated for injuries... Read more
2-Mar-2013
Struck powerlines and crashed, reportedly after engine failure. Helicopter destroyed... Read more
1-Mar-2013Source: HeliHub.com
US budgetary cuts, known as “sequestration”, starts today – 1st March 2013. The FAA needs to reduce its expenditures by about $600 Million for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013. Among the changes which are likely to impact is a program whereby almost all their 47,000 employees will be forced to take unpaid leave for... Read more
1-Mar-2013Source: HAI
If you are interested in becoming an auditor for the HAI Accreditation Program of Safety (HAI-APS), please plan to attend the HAI-APS Auditor Workshop at HELI-EXPO 2013 on Wednesday, March 6, from 1 pm to 5 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to become familiar with the HAI-APS program, understand its relationship with IS-BAO, review... Read more
1-Mar-2013
Collided with trees and crashed into a lake killing the pilot... Read more
26-Feb-2013Source: US Army
While serving as a first sergeant years ago, I was frustrated when an accident report submitted to the U.S. Army Safety Center was returned to me for additional information. Unfortunately, because the accident occurred off duty and my Soldier had been rendered unconscious, I couldn’t provide any additional information. What I now realize is even... Read more
25-Feb-2013Source: HeliHub.com
A German air ambulance helicopter was grounded recently after the pilot suffered a broken leg away from base. The “Christoph 70” helicopter – a Eurocopter EC135 – had landed on the rooftop pad at Pößneck on Tuesday 12th February at 15:30 hours for a patient transfer to Bad Berka. However, the pilot broke his leg... Read more
25-Feb-2013
Training accident, helicopter ended up on its side in grassy field. The two occupants of the aircraft were identified as pilot Captain Manuel Poblete FAP Pardo Aguilar (30) and passenger Major FAP Candle Italo Fernandez (36)... Read more
25-Feb-2013
Crashed from low level hover due to high winds... Read more
25-Feb-2013
Helicopter from Minot AFB made emergency landing, which injured two of the five occupants... Read more
24-Feb-2013
Crashed and exploded (possibly due to a mine) while engaged with FARC guerrillas... Read more
24-Feb-2013
Witnesses heard a loud bang before the R44 on a scenic tour made an emergency landing in the lake. Helicopter remained upright in less than 1m of water. All 4 POB exited safely... Read more
24-Feb-2013
Helicopter suffered gunshot damage in bungled prison breakout... Read more
23-Feb-2013
Emergency landing, while carrying journalists accompanying Vice president Guy Scott... Read more
22-Feb-2013
Crashed close to buildings. Pilot Mark Montgomery and crew member Chris Denning killed, third crew member Billy Wynn is critical. (names were released here) Two explosions after the helicopter crash landed in upright position. Completely burnt out in post-crash fire.... Read more
21-Feb-2013Source: LA Times
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Acton this month had his pilot privileges suspended twice in the last decade, according to FAA records (see full story). Details on the accident referred to can be found at 10-Feb-13 N59518 Bell 206B Acton, US-California (3F)... Read more
20-Feb-2013Source: CHC
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Simon Sinek, a leading motivational speaker and author of, Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the Gala Dinner at the 2013 CHC Safety & Quality Summit. The Gala dinner will take place on Tues., March 19, at the Westin... Read more
20-Feb-2013Source: HAI
Helicopter Association International (HAI) President Matt Zuccaro today announced a significant change in the organization’s staffing, designed to keep up with members’ changing needs. Paul Schaaf, currently the Chief Pilot for the Fairfax County Police Department, will join HAI in mid-March to assume the duties and responsibilities of Vice President of Operations, a job which... Read more
20-Feb-2013Source: ATSB
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) welcomed the reappointment of Ms Carolyn Walsh as a member of the ATSB Commission. Ms Walsh’s appointment by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Anthony Albanese will commence on 8 March 2013 and will run for a further three years. Ms Walsh has a wealth of experience... Read more
20-Feb-2013
Hard emergency landing in a forest in Phitsanulok province. Four of six (or seven?) occupants were admitted to hospital – Brigan Forney, Sarah Smith, Matthew Marcinko and Gavin Christian. Brigan Forney is reported to be suffering serious burns. Helicopter was taking part in Exercise “Cobra Gold 2013”... Read more
20-Feb-2013
Helicopter destroyed on landing in mountainous region on German side of border with Austria, pilot seriously injured. Ground was snow covered, and accident occurred at around 1,700m (5,577 ft) altitude... Read more
19-Feb-2013Source: CAA
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is to strengthen its provision of safety information to general aviation pilots from this spring. The CAA announced today that the publishing group, Archant, will begin producing general aviation safety material on its behalf. Archant, publisher of Pilot magazine, has been awarded a contract to write and distribute three... Read more
18-Feb-2013Source: Rotorcorp
Airworthiness Directive 2012-19-01 has been issued by the FAA in September of 2012 for certain O540 and IO-540 engines installed in Robinson R44 helicopters. RotorCorp has arranged for priority pricing on Lycoming factory overhauled and rebuilt zero time engines that renders this new AD a non-issue for R44 helicopter owners around the world. The AD... Read more
