Hello VF,
OK, you mention something of interest. You state that there have been 3 "airframe" failures with the R66.
I am aware of 2 x 66 crashes (South America and USA), and I have researched the causes (as best I can) and read expert opinion (s) (sure, the official reports are not out yet), but the experts (and one of them purports to be a crash inspector in Europe) have formed a view that these 2 were caused by (simply put) over controlling the aircraft. In one well worded theory it has been suggested that the rate of climb (3k per minute) is so great that the chances of becoming weightless at the top of climb is a present danger for inexperienced pilots (neg G), and that expert had a view that at least one of the crashes above was caused by this.
So, in both cases, not "airframe failure"...but pilot error. The 66 and 206 (etc) are two blade machines, you can (of course) cut the tail off, particularly if you were trained as a fixed wing pilot.
OK, so a) what's your view (and any knowledge) of above and b) what about the mystery third accident ? What's the details of that please ?
There are over 100 66's flying today. Orders for another 300 in the system. SOMEONE likes the machines. Again, I have flown one and I reckon it's a good thing. Easy to fly etc, plenty of power. Really precise, more solid than a 44. (Bloody dirty with the exhaust where it is though ! Lot's of cleaning required).
However I am happy to accept information to the contrary, but facts please.
Thanks
Arrrj
