really bad day in Alaska - Troopers 350 crash

[GeorgeMandes]

3 Killed in Alaska State Troopers Helo-1 Crash near Talkeetna - ktuu.com (http://www.ktuu.com/news/alaska-state-troopers-say-search-and-rescue-underway-for-downed-helo-ktuu-20130331,0,270332.story)

[alouette]

You could say that...:(

[GeorgeMandes]

Storied rescue pilot among those killed in Alaska Trooper helicopter crash | Alaska Dispatch (http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20130401/storied-rescue-pilot-among-those-killed-alaska-trooper-helicopter-crash)

[alouette]

Not that I want to set off a fire storm; but "we got rid of the Bell Ranger because of proneness to icing..." BULL****!!! And does one think the Squirrel is not prone to icing when flown in such conditions? And now I stop to write!!!

[SASless]

Night, bad weather, few if any ground lights, lots of snow, Single Pilot, Non-Stabilized Helicopter, no Autopilot....where have we heard that recipe before?

[alouette]

These variables do not favor a safe flight...

[ShyTorque]

Irrespective of the training, skill, experience of the pilot. :(

[MightyGem]

Very sad and probably avoidable, but the desire to do good often outweighs common sense. :(

[onesquaremetre]

For example

http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2011/AAR1104.pdf

Ring any bells?

[alouette3]

Shy Torque,
Sometimes the skill,experience and training act as a double edged sword and work against sound decision making.
Nevertheless, rather than judge the man from the comfort of my home, I will give him the respect he deserves.He put all his experience and skill on the line to gamble on saving a life and, unfortunately,came up short.But for the grace of God, there go I.
Condolences to the family and RIP to those on board.:(
As usual the talking heads are having a field day.Always bugs me when people say " at this point we will not speculate".Is there any point in time or space which is good for speculation????


Alt3.

[alouette]

I don't want to judge the pilot nor do I want to speculate on the circumstances how this "turkey" impacted the ground... But was that stunt necessary? Couldn't have a team with snowmobiles picked up the injured snowmobiler?

[ShyTorque]

Is there any point in time or space which is good for speculation????

Yes, often just before accepting the mission. Or reluctantly turning it down.

[Whirlygirl665]

The trooper/pilot who died had been Dir of Ops for Transalaska Helicopters in Alaska for over 20 years. Great pilot, even better friend