Originally Posted by
megan
..Bristow pilot involved was surprised when the finding of vortex ring was published, as the test flying was unable to replicate given the prevailing conditions (AUW etc).
I knew one of the Bristow accident pilots, he was my flight instructor. A long time ago now, but I thought he said vortex ring. Both accident pilots were terminated for cause, I think both were eventually re-instated after a long AFAP intervention, with salary arrears paid, but I don't think either ever flew a Bristow helicopter again. Bristow made them a redundancy offer to retire quietly.