Maximizing survival in mountainous terrain forced landing

[Devil 49]

Putting the aircraft down with minimal impact may be the lesser of the challenges to survival. Suggestions as to ways to keep the airframe rolling down the hill?

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Land at the bottom of it:ok:

Sorry, couldn't resist;)

[jimf671]

Land at the bottom of it:ok:




That definitely works. I have watched it done. Laden S-61N OEI. :ok:

[SASless]

Suggestions as to ways to keep the airframe rolling down the hill?

Wrong answer Crab!

[Thomas coupling]

Assymetric landing gear.
Land with the shorter struts up slope - works wonders you know.:p

[SilsoeSid]

Suggestions as to ways to keep the airframe rolling down the hill?

Do not apply the brakes?
Wax the skids?

[n5296s]

Surely Crab's answer is the only one that makes sense? It has always struck me that if I had to auto in mountainous terrain, I'd aim for the bottom of a valley (preferably one with some flat stuff in it, like a riverbed or shallow river), thereby avoiding the OP's problem.

Much better than fixed wing, where over mountains you're pretty much SoL if the engine(s) stop.

[[email protected]]

Wrong answer Crab! or was it the wrong question? We will have to wait for Devil 49:ok:

[MightyGem]

Suggestions as to ways to keep the airframe rolling down the hill?
Land heavy enough so that it's incapable of rolling? Carry an anchor and deploy on touchdown?

[Stanwell]

I've given it some thought and I believe I've come up with an answer.

Land on the rotor disc (much wider than a pair of skids).
Then, when things stop spinning, you'll find the blades have augured into the landscape.

Finally, just take care when you undo your harness.

[SilsoeSid]

RTFQ




Although the ac here is sliding and not rolling, I think this guy has it sussed
:ouch:

ie2JmWy26_c

[Devil 49]

The engine quits. Dis air-plane am busted, so survival is the next question.
Do you:
Aim uphill of the biggest rock in sight, hoping it detains the wreckage?
Land tail down hill?
Try to hit a gully in the hillside?
Crash into the hillside, rolling down hill, shedding parts and killing all occupants...
I'm not enthusiastic for the last choice even though it appears to be "how things are done, old boy".

[ShyTorque]

I'd have thought that landing across the slope and then full lateral cyclic would keep it rolling down the hill. At least for the first 360 degrees.

[SuperF]

land at the bottom of the hill. you cant roll any further than that.

Also in forested areas, the trees are often just slightly further apart at the bottom, so there may be a clear enough space to crash land, or at least they may be wide enough apart, so that as you are smashing your way down you can collect the tree on the Right side of the aircraft, depending on rotor direction, to try to encourage the transmission to depart the aircraft backwards, rather than coming forward to kill you...

thats what i would do.

will let you know if i ever have to try it and are successful... :}

[Senior Pilot]

Putting the aircraft down with minimal impact may be the lesser of the challenges to survival. Suggestions as to ways to keep the airframe rolling down the hill?

Maybe add the word "from" between airframe and rolling? There are some here who have spotted the deliberate mistake, and then there are others ;)

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And some were too polite to point out the error, concentrating on what he clearly meant to post:ok:

[John R81]

And those still deeply pondering exactly how to maximise the period of rolling:ok:

[SASless]

Crab,

Since when were ever "too polite"?;)

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Not too polite to point out that you missed out a 'you' in that post:ok:

Since when were ever "too polite"? Doh!:)

[Fareastdriver]

Flying over the jungle mountains of Borneo with a single engined helicopter the technique, not that it was used, was to go for a river or stream. If it was going to be a noisy arrival then pointing it upstream or uphill stopped it disassembling itself quicker.

You then pulled out a pack of cards and start playing patience. In no time somebody will look over your shoulder and point out that there is a red seven to go on a black eight.

You're saved!

[[email protected]]

Or start Fablon-ing a map - that always draws crowds:ok:

[LRP]

Obviously there are a lot of factors to consider in a short period of time and the terrain has infinite variations...but in general terms an upslope landing would probably be the best option.

[jimf671]

RTFQ




Although the ac here is sliding and not rolling, I think this guy has it sussed
:ouch:

ie2JmWy26_c


Has anyone ever produced harscheisen for helicopters?

[MightyGem]

Yes, they have. Bears Paws:
Helicopter Bearpaws - Accessories | Helitowcart.com | Helicopter Moving Solutions & Accessories (http://www.helitowcart.com/accessories/bearpaws)

From the video, looks like they had them.