Nubian posted the following:
As for relevant info for this thread.
METARs UTC -6 DST
CYET 050156Z AUTO 16022G32KT
CYET 050211Z AUTO 17016G34KT
Runway is 07/25 and the buildings in the background are located on the north side of centreline.
Looking at the smoke trail post impact....it does appear to be a downwind approach across the runway (if the wind was as posted and the smoke trail representing the wind direction....and approach direction).
If one assumes an average wind of 165/19 gust to 33knots the question begged is why would any experienced pilot make a downwind approach to an airfield with such winds being reported and discernible by means of the wind sock and other visual indicators?
All this talk about VRS etc ignores the root cause of the accident.
Is there a rearwards flight airspeed limitation on the aircraft involved?
Could a flat approach with gradual deceleration have worked?
If one tried an OGE hover at altitude.....could VRS be avoided or escaped by accelerating rearwards out of the rotor downwash column of air?
Playing the "what if" game as is being played....why not debate this line of thought.
If you are not descending into your downwash....does it matter which direction you are moving re VRS?