AAIB UK April 2006

[Hilico]

AS350 rotor strike in hover, flies back to refueling site:

http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/bulletins/april_2006/eurocopter_as350b2_squirrel__g_bxga.cfm

R22 suspected drivebelt breakage, ditches, rescued successfully:

http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/bulletins/april_2006/robinson_r22_beta__g_cbpt.cfm

Low-timer rolls R44 in hover, first time with full fuel:

http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/bulletins/april_2006/robinson_r44_raven__g_odhg.cfm

[thecontroller]

from the AS350 report:

"The commander of the helicopter was one week into a contract with the operator, but no longer works for them."

oh dear. that's a depressing statement! just goes to show that even with 4000 hours, everyone makes mistakes.

the advice about unlatching the doors prior to ditching an r22 is sound. i've always thought that would be the first thing i would do if going in the drink (after lowering the collective of course!)

[rotorspeed]

Ref the 350, have to say that clipping M/R blades on a slope in the hover is bad enough, but to then to land, let pax get in and fly off again, knowing that you've damaged blades, is unbelievably stupid.