Heli Crash Fiji
Tropical downpours have caught out more pilots lacking proper experience than we realise. This being the second incident in Fiji reported as a result of an extreme weather occurance. Almost 100% humidity where clouds are forming at treetop height at sea level combined with heavy tropical downpour, visibility can reduce from a couple of thousand meters down to hundreds in less than a minute. Loss of situational awareness in these conditions at flight altitudes of less than 200' and low airspeed can occur very quickly and subtley often resulting in the aircraft contacting the surface or water. Think carefully before you enter this type of flight regime with excessive airspeed as well as this could result in a similar situation requiring extreme manouvers not recomended in these low altitude and low visibility conditions.
Keep safe!
Last edited by wrior; 16th Apr 2008 at 04:47.