SASSless/Devil 49:
I have resisted entering this debate up to now because it appears to have uniquely American flavour but we do have to question the statement that “engine failures are not killers” and the number of engines “do not change the accident rate”. Whether a fatal accident results from a power failure in a single engine helicopter is a matter of: conditions of light and surface; the flight envelope in which the failure occurs; and the skill and training of the pilot (and the potential for survival should this occur over inhospitable terrain).
If an engine failure occurs in a twin it is unlikely to lead to an accident - unless it occurs in a regime where ‘exposure’ is being taken; in which case it should have been the result of a risk assessment (by the pilot - sometimes known as aeronautical decision making). Putting aside the issue of the probability of an engine failure; wouldn’t we all rather be in a twin if an engine failure occurs - under almost any circumstances?
One point it is difficult to find quarrel with is the cultural change that occurs when twin engine IFR operations are being conducted. The skill set that is required to deal with emergencies is more related to management of situations and less to handling - that is not to say that handling is less important but can be more considered. My experience is also that pilots flying twins are more likely to fly in accordance with the regulations - I’m not sure why that is.
If as Devil 49 implies, the spate of accidents appears to be due to a reduction of the experience levels, and if that reduction of experience is likely to continue, it might be appropriate to think about a minimum level of experience for HEMS or the raising of the operational limits as well as improved training and checking - really a must.
There is also a duty of care argument, not just for HEMS but for all operations where an engine failure has the potential for death or injury; when contracting for a flight in a single engine helicopter (especially at night or over inhospitable terrain such as the sea) how many passengers are made aware of the increase in the potential for an accident - with its concomitant risk of death or injury?