Ditching and Crashworthiness

[Flying Lawyer]

Summary Report on Helicopter Ditching and Crashworthiness Research

The report summarises and consolidates the results from a number of research activities initiated by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) over a period of about twelve years.

The objective of the research was to improve the safety of
offshore helicopter operations and, in particular, to improve survival and escape prospects for those on board a helicopter that ditches or crashes onto water.

The research included investigations into means of improving the sea-keeping performance of ditched helicopters, mitigating the consequences of capsize, and means of improving the crashworthiness of emergency flotation systems.



It’s a 3 mb file so, even if you’re on broad-band, you may wish to right-click on the link and select 'save target as...' to save the file to your computer.

CAA Paper 2006/06 (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/2005_06.PDF)

[SASless]

TWO,

Was that the one where IM was flying....and upon landing turned around around and had enlightening words for the pax?

[Ikoyian]

Speechless.

You are correct, the 214ST that ditched was due to the nut under the mixing levers coming undone and caused progressively less collective until the only direction was down. Bell came up with a mod to cure this.... a thicker locking washer.

The one that went bang was the drag brace breaking... we all thought he was lucky with that one. Both helicopters were put back in service... not sure if they are still in ABZ.

[John Eacott]

Must be something about B214ST's and ditching: this link (http://www.casa.gov.au/fsa/1999/sep/huet.pdf) has a photo of the Lloyd's 214ST that ditched in the Timor Sea back in 1991.

Far too long ago to remember the details, but I'll wager someone posts them within an couple of hours ;)

[The Nr Fairy]

One of the reports I've been looking for is that into the Scillies S61 accident (G-BEON) - not covered in the report, as far as I can see, but worthy of a mention in the ditching stakes.

Would you believe it's in the National Archives, and apparently was closed under the Public Records Act (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=8191757&j=1)

[Ikoyian]

Hello IM....

You are correct, let me bow to your memory, it is the grey matter at my end thats running low.

I did'nt realise it was both on FN though!! Must have been trying times, who would have thought it would still be flying today ! Stunning pic, especially when you consider the size of the blades on those things.

[Sven Sixtoo]

I remember this - I was the co-pilot of the SAR helo that turned up.

We found all the crew and pax on board the Constant Friend, so left them there - why winch people from a place of safety?

The skipper of the boat commented (in a broad Buchan accent) when we asked if anyone needed medical assistance "No they're all fine just now - I doubt they won't be by the time we make port!"

Sven