Westpac Rescue Helo Down in NZ

[KiwiNedNZ]

Not much news but hoping everyone is ok.

WestPac Rescue Helo Crashes (https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/09/breaking-news-westpac-rescue-helicopter-crashes-into-bush-while-on-its-way-to-collect-patient.html)

[KiwiNedNZ]

Heard it was the Hamilton based machine - crew ok from what I was told and Auckland based AW169 went to hoist them out.

[Tickle]

Heavy landing in a BK-117, 3 crew on board with minor injuries and flown to hospital.

More info:

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/09/three-injured-in-westpac-rescue-helicopter-crash-on-waikato-s-mt-pirongia.html

[helispotter]

Photos of the damaged Kawasaki BK-117B-2, ZK-HHJ, in this item:https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/waikato/300974254/first-photos-of-rescue-chopper-that-crashed-on-mt-pirongia-in-waikato
Rotor is a mess but fuselage is intact which is consistent with the good outcome for the crew.

This BK-117 had previously spent time in Japan (JA01CJ) and Australia (VH-BKV). I wonder if it will now be considered a write-off?

[[email protected]]

If that is a 'heavy landing' I'd hate to see what a crash looks like :)

[Bellicose]

The BK is a great helicopter- none are built better and if you are in an accident the BK is the machine to be in.

[ShyTorque]

I’d far rather be in one that doesn’t have an accident.

[megan]

If that is a 'heavy landing' I'd hate to see what a crash looks likeIt's in keeping with the damage assessments one sees in accident reports crab, a rating of "substantial" where you could fit the largest piece of wreckage in your pocket always amuses. Guess it's because all you need is the data plate to build a new one. ;)

[[email protected]]

Yes, the Brit Mil used a Category system which decided what level of engineering expertise the damage repair needed - Cat 1 was almost 'It'll buff out' and done locally - Cat 5 was 'sweep all the bits into a bin, unrepairable'.

On that basis probably Cat 3/4 for this one.

[NutLoose]

What it does not appear to mention is having all got out, the Paramedic checked the crew to ensure they were all ok, then packed up his kit and set off to find the person they had been called out to rescue, whom he located and treated, thus completing the mission.


https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/21/auckland-helicopter-crash-pirongia-forest-park-paramedic

[vortexadminman]

Heavy landing or what ever its called or classed as chuffed they all got out and big Kudos to the paramedic for not only sorting him/her self out and the crew then carrying onto the original task.

[twinstar_ca]

Heavy landing or what ever its called or classed as chuffed they all got out and big Kudos to the paramedic for not only sorting him/her self out and the crew then carrying onto the original task.

As a retired canadian paramedic, this brother/sister made us proud!!! :ok::cool:

[havick]

Guess it shows how well built the BK’s are.

[rottenjohn]

It's in keeping with the damage assessments one sees in accident reports crab, a rating of "substantial" where you could fit the largest piece of wreckage in your pocket always amuses. Guess it's because all you need is the data plate to build a new one. ;)

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1024x768/img_2536_21053021dc0fa9bd6c36bc33b88901c075d4611c.jpeg
This was apparently another NZ “hard landing “. About the same time .

[nowherespecial]

There have been 2x BK crashes and 1x Cabri crash in NZ in the last 5 weeks. Some generally lights winds might increase the likelihood of VRS nationally for a bit. Second BK was from Southern Lakes I think.

[RVDT]

The most common light/medium twin in NZ at 45 in number so probably going to feature in the statistics but should not so...................?

Just about every variation covered through Kawasaki and MBB to Eurocopter and Airbus with B2, C1, C2, D2 and D3.

Pretty hardy machine.