Originally Posted by
runway16
A question? Was the helo pilot wearinga lifejacket? A few years back there was another firebomber crash and the ATSB at the time recommended that firebomber pilots wear a lifejacket to use in the event of a ditching.
Interestin to see the ATSB report when it comes out.
ATSB. Was the pilot wearing a lifejacket?
A life jacket is problematic during an escape - it can snag and it can provide a distinct force in a direction t
hat may be opposite the exit. If there is danger of serious injury or hypothermia that would prevent swimming to safety an inflatable one makes a lot of sense to deploy afterwards. If one is expecting an orderly exit then the traditional puffy jacket would work - but I expect that no water landing in a typical helo is orderly.