Bell ditching off Newcastle
Yep, can’t argue with that.
......Then let’s ask the question: what was the helicopter doing offshore? Fishing? Why would anyone put an aircraft over water without a compelling reason? The aircraft ditched into water, unless I am totally mistaken, solid land would be more attractive.
If that is true then unless the pilot was stupid then he was over water because he had been directed to fly over water by ATC or I grant you, if he was following the official VFR Corridor on the VTC which shouldn’t be over water anyway. In either case AsA bears responsibility for both this and the Mooney crash.
I am sick to death of this practice of forcing light aircraft to accept unnecessary risk for the convenience of AsA and RAAF and perhaps coastal nimby scum. U.S. experience has been that much closer separation standards are allowable with minimal risk increase.
If that is true then unless the pilot was stupid then he was over water because he had been directed to fly over water by ATC or I grant you, if he was following the official VFR Corridor on the VTC which shouldn’t be over water anyway. In either case AsA bears responsibility for both this and the Mooney crash.
I am sick to death of this practice of forcing light aircraft to accept unnecessary risk for the convenience of AsA and RAAF and perhaps coastal nimby scum. U.S. experience has been that much closer separation standards are allowable with minimal risk increase.
Sunfish, please name us two, or possibly just start with one instance where you have been personally forced to accept necessary risk for the convenience of ASA and or the RAAF. Then name all the other instances of the other occurrences that you are “sick to death of.” Include anything other than MDX.
There’s nothing inherently dangerous about “being over water”. Different outcome if things go wrong maybe, but not always.
Serious question, as I don’t know the answer- how many people have been killed in aircraft/heli crashes into the water compared to into land?
Sunny, ultimately it is the pilot that must take responsibility for unnecessary risk. This guy could well have refused the direction if indeed such a direction was issued. The more poignant question is: Was what the hell was he thinking of; piloting an ancient piece of dung only suited to day VFR on good days, after last light, in ****ty weather, with 5 innocent passengers on board? I mean WTF. I know they did all this stuff in Hueys "back in Nam" but that was 50 odd years ago. The machine was a relic from a bygone era.
There is no blame whatsoever on Willy Tower that I can see no matter what they said.
The issue of an over regulated piece of airspace is a seperate issue from this prang. I am so sad it happened.
There is no blame whatsoever on Willy Tower that I can see no matter what they said.
The issue of an over regulated piece of airspace is a seperate issue from this prang. I am so sad it happened.
Sunfish, please name us two, or possibly just start with one instance where you have been personally forced to accept necessary risk for the convenience of ASA and or the RAAF. Then name all the other instances of the other occurrences that you are “sick to death of.” Include anything other than MDX.
Latest NSW Police report - underwater wreckage positively identified, some human remains and debris recovered yesterday aftenoon. Very sad for all concerned.
From news.com.au today:
The 1966 Bell UH1 left Archerfield and stopped at Coffs Harbour Airport about 4pm to refuel before heading for Bankstown Airport.
But strong westerly winds were reported to have swept it across the east coast with a cold front, and aviation experts said the lack of a mayday call in the extreme conditions might have made Mr Kerr become disorientated.
The pilot’s last communication was a request to travel higher because of a strong tailwind.
In a heartbreaking text to his daughter, Mr Ogden sent her a photo saying, “halfway there, look at the beautiful red sun” while they were refuelling.
But strong westerly winds were reported to have swept it across the east coast with a cold front, and aviation experts said the lack of a mayday call in the extreme conditions might have made Mr Kerr become disorientated.
The pilot’s last communication was a request to travel higher because of a strong tailwind.
In a heartbreaking text to his daughter, Mr Ogden sent her a photo saying, “halfway there, look at the beautiful red sun” while they were refuelling.
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Sunny, ultimately it is the pilot that must take responsibility for unnecessary risk. This guy could well have refused the direction if indeed such a direction was issued. The more poignant question is: Was what the hell was he thinking of; piloting an ancient piece of dung only suited to day VFR on good days, after last light, in ****ty weather, with 5 innocent passengers on board? I mean WTF. I know they did all this stuff in Hueys "back in Nam" but that was 50 odd years ago. The machine was a relic from a bygone era.
There is no blame whatsoever on Willy Tower that I can see no matter what they said.
The issue of an over regulated piece of airspace is a seperate issue from this prang. I am so sad it happened.
There is no blame whatsoever on Willy Tower that I can see no matter what they said.
The issue of an over regulated piece of airspace is a seperate issue from this prang. I am so sad it happened.
Some are blaming Willy for holding him at Anna Bay, maybe one of the issues here?. As I keep alluding to the weather was atrocious, blowing dust,gusting 48kts at night with a front approaching, in a old aircraft with seemingly basic instruments.
If he was “planning “ a NVFR flight do you think he would be flying coastal or tracking via Taree on the airway at lowest safe ?
Re fuel at Coffs, punching into a headwind could also be a factor.
Ive transited Willy day and night for 20 years and never had any issues.
Last edited by belly tank; 27th Sep 2019 at 21:58.
I’ve transited Willy day and night for 20 years and never had any issues.
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Aussie Bob, I couldn’t agree with you more.
Some are blaming Willy for holding him at Anna Bay, maybe one of the issues here?. As I keep alluding to the weather was atrocious, blowing dust,gusting 48kts at night with a front approaching, in a old aircraft with seemingly basic instruments.
If he was “planning “ a NVFR flight do you think he would be flying coastal or tracking via Taree on the airway at lowest safe ?
Re fuel at Coffs, punching into a headwind could also be a factor.
Ive transited Willy day and night for 20 years and never had any issues.
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1/ There was a sunset, so not really IMC - “halfway there, look at the beautiful red sun”
2/ Strong SW. Sea spray heading? Out to sea, obscuring what? The sea after dark.
3/ Smoke and dust? Yes. However temper that with the fact that piece of coast is also one of the most lit up areas in the country.
Maybe the investigation will shed more light. The information available at this time does not quite stack up for me.