Army’s newest Apache blown over at Middle Wallop

[NutLoose]

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/564x353/image_552b7c7ab284dd425bc158466deedb520bac7810.jpeg



https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/373x232/image_1f4aeb8c7784a82fcb54983d575fae6168bb9c70.jpeg




​​​​The British Army’s newest Apache helicopter was blown over in high winds as Storm Henk hit southern Britain (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/01/02/storm-henk-winds-rain-travel-delayed/).

The Apache AH-64E attack helicopter, declared “ready for front line duty” by the Army in October, was knocked onto its side while stationary at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

It is understood no one was injured during the incident, and that all other aircraft remained undamaged. An Army ambulance was pictured at the scene earlier on Tuesday afternoon.

A defence source told The Telegraph it is believed to have been the first time that an Apache has been blown over, adding: “Apaches aren’t particularly prone to it, but if the wind speed is high enough it can obviously happen.”

Apaches are considered robust aircraft proven to operate from the decks of ships, and are typically able to withstand strong winds.

However, the source said it was possible for “any aircraft” to be blown over, explaining: “They’ve got lifting surfaces for a reason, but it does mean they can be vulnerable to high winds.”

An Army spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident at Army Aviation Centre Middle Wallop, where an Apache helicopter has been destabilised by very high winds.

“Airfield staff responded rapidly to secure the aircraft and specialist recovery is currently being coordinated. We will not comment further until a full assessment has been made.”




https://uk.news.yahoo.com/army-newest-apache-helicopter-blown-181604930.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKXXlArph-jR2a5v5lgP6okXXgXKoYP_A00uwXw5YNlWiHeTsrxd_mlik9-N4WzOdacBj2uxVTH5wpfAdIHdwUVCKOIKLZRwPyqlCDR1OwpYqoTwNyN1M9w jAem3qlUzwNKUHD_0BWPYLzS4-g2JUe5iEiz5TIwLLtNAej_NbTpb

[jimf671]

OK, so now I understand why none of these are stationed in Scotland. :rolleyes:

[Hilife]

I have to say I was a little puzzled to read of this incident, in what turned out to be the windiest day this winter so far, in this region of Wiltshire, and there were plenty of severe weather warnings in place.

I am currently residing in a large forest, surrounded by tall trees, about 20 miles north of MW, and although there have been plenty of gales these past few weeks, today’s winds and gusts in this area were noticeably more violent than at any time this past month. So much so, I was concerned enough to vacate my home for several hours at lunchtime and moved my cars away from the trees into open ground.

Today’s weather was a far cry from that found in the ‘Roaring Forties’ for sure, but if I cast my memory back many moons ago to my time at PSC, it was common practice for the engineers to tie-down the Chinooks when out in the open and the winds picked up more than usual.

[[email protected]]

Someone will be having an interview without coffee and biscuits methinks...........

[Lonewolf_50]

At least only one was blown over.
In Fort Hood, back in 1989, there were about a hundred blown over. I remember seeing pictures in the news of dozens of helicopters rolled over on their sides.
Ft. Hood Storm Damage $600 MillionL.A. TIMES ARCHIVES | MAY 20, 1989 12 AM PT | FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS
Storm damage to helicopters and buildings at the Army’s Ft. Hood outside Killeen, Tex., will cost at least $600 million to repair, the service said Friday. The Army said it had so far pegged last week’s storm damage to almost 200 helicopters at $585 million. Damage to buildings and other facilities was put at $15 million. Lt. Col. John Chapla, an Army spokesman, said exact repair figures are not available.

The storm, packing heavy rain and winds of 95 m.p.h., ravaged the area May 13. Although no one was killed, the storm forced 25 military families from their quarters and damaged the helicopters and at least 20% of the fort’s buildings. The damage occurred even though the Army said about half of the helicopters had been placed inside hangars as the storm approached and the remainder were tied down. Especially hard hit was the new fleet of AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. About 100 of the fort’s 150 Apaches were reported damaged, forcing the base to downgrade its state of aviation readiness.
Ft. Hood Storm Damage $600 Million - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com) (https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-05-20-mn-293-story.html)

[trim it out]

Someone will be having an interview without coffee and biscuits methinks...........
DA FAiR has been completed before the investigation? Impressive efficiency.

[60FltMech]

“A defence source told The Telegraph it is believed to have been the first time that an Apache has been blown over, adding: “Apaches aren’t particularly prone to it, but if the wind speed is high enough it can obviously happen.”

I’m assuming they mean, “First time an Apace was blown over” in UK service. As referenced in another post this even happened in 1989: Mothers Day Massacre

This event made a big impact on the US Army, when I began working on AH-64As back in 2001 the importance of proper aircraft mooring was stressed using this even as an example. Heck, we can’t even take a 30 minute lunch brake on a clear calm day and leave the aircraft unchained and untied.

Of course, I don’t know that you could truly be prepared for events of the magnitude of the one in 1989, but I’ve seen more unmoored aircraft damaged or tipped over in severe weather than ones that had blades properly secured and chains securing the airframe.

At any rate, sad to see such damage, glad no one was injured.

FltMech

[albatross]

My first thought…did the blades perhaps start to windmill? That will do it.

[meleagertoo]

Why would it not have been hangagred with gales forcast?
That's seriously dim.

[Squat switch]

Attempting to fly on 2nd Jan when a high wind/storm warning for the majority of UK has been issued-someone was desperate to fly, why? Or is the course that far behind?
It'll be interesting to hear the explanation of the thought/decision making process behind this.
Agreed someone is due an interview without coffee, biscuits, rank slides and future pension contributions.

[LRP]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1540x2000/img20240103_13445016_3686c7ea82c38851c4abf37358f7c0f062d917c 0.jpg
This works really well.

[helispotter]

Part of the article by NutLoose reported: "Apaches are considered robust aircraft proven to operate from the decks of ships, and are typically able to withstand strong winds".

That is all well and good if they are lashed to a deck, or in this case to any tie-down points in the tarmac. I assume this one wasn't lashed down?

The Apache doesn't have a particularly wide wheel base and probably has a reasonably high CG combined with a fair bit of lateral windage area and hence overturning moment. So left unsecured, I suspect it would topple in lower wind speeds than various other helicopter types, no matter how "robust" it may be.

I wonder how much contribution of the wind blowing over rotors has to the total overturning moment? I assume it is normal practice to park helicopters with collective in a 'neutral' position??

[gipsymagpie]

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1540x2000/img20240103_13445016_3686c7ea82c38851c4abf37358f7c0f062d917c 0.jpg
This works really well.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/2000x922/screenshot_20240104_194529_google_9d324154da344369d28950bf78 7e26d1ab60086b.jpg
Sure about that?

[LRP]

It ain't laying on its side.

[helispotter]

It ain't laying on its side.

But an expensive repair, even if it didn't roll on its side. I was surprised to see the tie-down points on the Apache are so low down on the fuselage, one on the underside of tail boom, others seemingly low and forward of main gear. That may be ok to stop forwards and aft or lateral movement, but doesn't seem very effective at resisting a rolling moment.

I can't imagine the blades were 'snapped' by wind alone, the helicopter in that screen shot must have been rocking a lot.

Watching the rest of the video, I also wonder how much more damage was incurred when they lifted some of the helicopters upright again, sometimes seemingly just using a sling around the rotor.