PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Rotor snags safety rope during mountain rescue
Old 26th May 2016, 13:17
  #3 (permalink)  
hoistop
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Europe
Posts: 162
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
 This incident happened some time ago (9. sept. 2015) in Wasatch Front, Lone Peak, SW of Salt Lake City. After night search for missing hiker, he was located in the morning by rescuers, then 5 rescuers were brought in by Utah Department of public safety Squirrell N253HP to recover the body - victim was confirmed dead on scene.
This was an ill-prepared loading of body, that nearly cost several lives. Pilot was able to control heavily damaged and shaking rotorcraft (including broken Starflex head!).
This shows that rescuers and other people involved in certain helo ops, are far from just "passengers". Hovewer, this situation was fairly controllable and yes, I agree that this mission was not well thought of.
Some time ago, we came to a cliff to pick a fallen climber, hanging on his belay. As another pair of climbers was above him, with their ropes flailing around, there was no other choice but pausing the mission until these guys were reached over the phone and explained what to do - bad for injured climber, who had to wait for another 15-20 min.


Stay safe!


hoistop
hoistop is offline