SASless wrote,
"The major cause of the accident is the false performance data and the false Weight and Balance information."
Nonsense.
One of two things happened here:
(1) Whether flying a 61 or any other helicopter one must first determine whether or not one has enough power to get out of the confined area. I have flown 61's many hours at high DA's and Ng topping is always an issue. A number on a piece of paper did not cause this accident - but lousy judgement may have.
(2) The co-pilot insists he saw a torque split as they were coming out of the hole. If this was the case, it is a straightforward power loss on takeoff. There is also the issue of a (perhaps) incorrect fuel control overhaul at Columbia. This story ain't over yet.
Finally, this aircraft was purchased by Okanagan Helicopters in 1966 and we put over 40,000 hours on her. I personally flew her more than 3,000 hours. Sad end to a grand old Lady.
Last edited by oleary; 6th February 2013 at 04:47.