New Zealand BK117 accident
Personally Knowing this operator, I have been privy to some information. The Westpac, wellington Helicopetr operation is not IFR, is single pilot, and does not use NVG. In recent times they have lost some of their more experienced drivers, one for an overseas position that pays more (everyone pays more than NZ operators) and their CP left for an IFR position with another NZ operator. I am told the pilot in question was flying up a gully (at night) to avoid inclement weather when she placed herself in the unenviable position of attempting to outfly terrain. She used bad judgement. The operator must bear part of this blame. Like most NZ operators they work to a shoestring budget. The New Zealand operators of EMS aircraft, do not pay well, and do not tend to keep up with the rest of the world when it comes to buying decent equipment such as NVG, or even new helicopters. The Lifeflight Trust in Wellington lease the aircraft. Airwork of Auckland own the aircraft, as they do the Auckland Westpac rescue helicopter. They also provide the pilots. In recent times the public funding in particular has been missappropriated. The cash has not reached the end user to its full extent. ie, the helicopter operation. Consequently pilots are paid poorly and a lot leave for greener pastures. The effect is to filter the experience available, detract from having the best possible equipment available, or even maintain IFR pilots to the standard that is needed in the nature of terrain and weather in that country. I feel this has some contribution to this accident. Firstly the pilot was faced with VFR single pilot at night, the weather was not ideal, the IFR training if any, is substandard, the option to attempt the flight was , in the prevailing conditions, almost fatal. Did anyone provide this poor individal, the training and equipment required to undertake a flight of such nature? NO. Iam surprised that this has not happened earlier in this country. Check how many ATPL, multi IFR captains are left in that country, you can count them on your fingers. The vast majority are in places like Africa, Middle East, and Europe earning a living. Lets hear from a few of you kiwis at the coal face. Cheers