UK AAIB October 2006

[VeeAny]

3 Reports this month from the AAIB

http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/october_2006/bell_206b_jet_ranger__g_news.cfm
http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/october_2006/robinson_r44_astro__g_ronn.cfm
http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/bulletins/october_2006/robinson_r44_raven_ii__g_prog.cfm

V.

[scooter boy]

Sounds to me like our new owner couldn't resist having a little hover :E .
Even with 40kt wind on the beam there is no way this A/C would have rolled over in the reported conditions at 60%. Rather cynically methinks the insurance claim depended on their being no need for an instructor to be present and therefore the fact that the helicopter reportedly never flew but was simply caught by a freak sudden gust of wind (as can quite clearly happen?) absolved him of the crime of being a silly bugger without the necessary paperwork.

Bet the accident inspectors had a few raised eyebrows.:rolleyes:

I wonder if he got an insurance payout? and if so I hope this doesn't put my insurance premium up too much!

Bet he felt a prat.:}

SB

[Hilico]

My colleague VeeAny has beaten me to the punch, but alas did not add the month or year to the title - hence there are two threads, that have been merged.

B206 bounces after heavy EOL, damages tail on second landing.
http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/bulletins/october_2006/bell_206b_jet_ranger__g_news.cfm

Student loses control of R44 after attempting to pick up fallen map during TO.
http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/bulletins/october_2006/robinson_r44_astro__g_ronn.cfm

R44 on ground yaws left at 60% RPM, possible overcorrection, rolls over.
http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/bulletins/october_2006/robinson_r44_raven_ii__g_prog.cfm

[thecontroller]

i found that report also a bit odd. i would have thought its impossible to get an r44 off the ground at 60%

[bladewashout]

So much scope for speculation on the last one that it's almost impossible to resist

But nothing will ever be proven!

His mates will make his life a misery, though...

BW

[Gaseous]

A long time ago and not in a 44, and with a very experienced instructor on board we decided to explore low RPM in the hover. At 60% it would be possible to get it off the ground but there was not enough left pedal to control yaw so we never lifted. The aircraft was flyable at about 75% but it could not be sustained as there was not enough power to maintain rpm. Almost full left pedal was required. At about 80% it was possible to sustain hover with difficulty. No, the grips did not hit the upper bump stops due to excessive coning.

This was difficult stuff and it doesn't surprise me a student 'playing' on his own came to grief.

The temptation to lift the lever a bit was perhaps too strong. Lift was there but not control.:{

Speculation of course.