MHS S61 accident - Banda Aceh

[Cyclic Hotline]

Story (http://www.indonesia-relief.org/mod.php?mod=publisher&op=viewarticle&cid=34&artid=864)


Banda Aceh, Indonesia-Relief – A Sikorsy S61N helicopter belongs to MHS Aviation Malaysia crashed in Iskandar Muda airport area, Banda Aceh, on Friday.

The helicopter, which helps International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) operation in Indonesia, is on its way to Sibolga, Nias Island, before crashed in west side of the airport runway.

Head of Operational and Telecommunication Division of Iskandar Muda airport, Raden Putra, told Kompas daily that the airport authority is still investigating the cause. He said the weather condition was good when the helicopter crashed.

Today, the daily reported that the helicopters didn’t get any serious damages. But photo accompanied the news shows the helicopter body laid down on the ground. The helicopter registration number is 9M-AVQ.

Medan based Waspada daily reported that the helicopter just leave the air port and suddenly made an emergency landing. The helicopter wheel was broken, while the crew and two passengers are safe. The Sikorsky rented by Malasia Red Crescent Society

[NorthSeaTiger]

When did this happen ? is this a 2nd 61 accident in as many months ?

[alouette]

Strange. Just two days ago I met a couple from Oz in a train somewhere in Europe, and we started talking and it turned out their son works on S-61's as engineer. If I recall correctly he even serves in the squad of the accident S-61 from a few weeks ago.

Regardless of that, any chance that fighting rebels have the capability to shoot down helicopters? Just to make this Indonesia experience more spicy than it already is. If in fact it is the second accident it would be interesting to uncover the root cause(s) of all those happenings.:confused:

[Phoenix Rising II]

Just spoke to a friend in the know in Banda Aceh and here is what "really" happened. Love how the media make it sound like it was a major catastrophic. :(

Anyway the 61 was parked where it always is on the civil side of the airport, and the local mower dude had just been out doing his thing, cutting the grass. Not sure if it was one of those ride on jobbies, but seriously doubt it.

Continuing - as the 61 was hover taxying to the main runway to depart both engines ingested heaps of the freshly cut grass and for some strange reason they decided they didnt want to work anymore :confused:

The result was an emergency landing on some soft ground, and once the aircraft had shut down the engines one of the sponsons, not sure if it was left or right, gave way under the soft ground. Engines were already shut down so no blade strike, just a sad looking 61.

They are doing inspections on the engines as we speak and should be back in the air in about a weeks time.

Hope this sheds some light on the "real" circumstances.

Cheers

PR II

[Tynecastle]

PR,
If that is what happened, must be one for the record books.
Did you friend mention anything about the other accident in Kerteh? heard the unofficial reason, but would be nice if the company involved or the Authourities told us officially.
Rgds.
TC

[Phoenix Rising II]

Tynecastle - I can assure you that this is exactly what happened with the Aceh incident, as confirmed it with three different sources, two who were actually standing next to their machines at the airport and watched it happen.

With regards to the other incident, will see what I can find out.

PR II

[NorthSeaTiger]

Out of Interest what was the unofficial reason for the Karteh Incident ?, heard something about tail rotor rigging ? :confused: