Chopper reported missing, NSW
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 880
Likes: 225
From: Australia
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 880
Likes: 225
From: Australia
The ATSB preliminary report into the loss of this Robinson R66, VH-KFT, hadn't been linked in this thread when it was released, so here it is:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications...rt/ao-2023-051
ATSB report they recovered an in-flight video camera as one of several components for more detailed examination. Based on the discussions in this thread, I was anticipating this accident may have been another mast bumping due to low-g in turbulence or control inputs case as ATSB attributed to the loss of the R44 VH-HGU:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications...ir/ao-2020-061
There is a prospect that any available video might support that. But in the case of VH-KFT, the preliminary report states: "...the ATSB has determined there to be a reasonable likelihood of limitations in risk controls and organisational factors relevant to the occurrence...". That is sufficiently vague that the final report will need to be awaited, but it sounds like there might be more to it than the likely cause as reported in the case of VH-HGU.
The ASN Wikibase has the accident listed at:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/347293
The pilot was travelling with his dog.
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications...rt/ao-2023-051
ATSB report they recovered an in-flight video camera as one of several components for more detailed examination. Based on the discussions in this thread, I was anticipating this accident may have been another mast bumping due to low-g in turbulence or control inputs case as ATSB attributed to the loss of the R44 VH-HGU:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications...ir/ao-2020-061
There is a prospect that any available video might support that. But in the case of VH-KFT, the preliminary report states: "...the ATSB has determined there to be a reasonable likelihood of limitations in risk controls and organisational factors relevant to the occurrence...". That is sufficiently vague that the final report will need to be awaited, but it sounds like there might be more to it than the likely cause as reported in the case of VH-HGU.
The ASN Wikibase has the accident listed at:
https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/347293
The pilot was travelling with his dog.
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 490
From: Melbourne
The KFT report has many references to weather, which aligns with your comments re risk controls.
It’s pretty clear they aren’t blaming the R66. What they haven’t said unless I missed it is anything about cloud other than 8/8, however from what I was advised by a pilot involved in search, was that significant turbulence existed at the firm and the report does mention gusts of 23 knots and if you refer to my post above it mentions local conditions that can cause turbulence.
It’s pretty clear they aren’t blaming the R66. What they haven’t said unless I missed it is anything about cloud other than 8/8, however from what I was advised by a pilot involved in search, was that significant turbulence existed at the firm and the report does mention gusts of 23 knots and if you refer to my post above it mentions local conditions that can cause turbulence.
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,415
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From: Cab of a Freight Train
Final report is out. In short, operating in turbulence above Va, encountered low-G, didn't apply aft cyclic to reload the rotor prior to countering an uncommanded rapid right roll and broke up less than 4 seconds after encountering the low-G condition.
The ATSB looks to be quite happy about the factory-fitted camera & data recorder though. Gives them a birds-eye view of exactly what happened, though it'd be sobering viewing for the investigators.
The ATSB looks to be quite happy about the factory-fitted camera & data recorder though. Gives them a birds-eye view of exactly what happened, though it'd be sobering viewing for the investigators.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 6
From: N/A
A lot of focus is on the horizontal stabilizer and it's apparent tendency to be the primary cause of the rolling moment. Is anyone aware of any actual data to support this, or is this spin from Robinson's new private equity owners to try and rebrand the type as less susceptible to mast bumping?
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 880
Likes: 225
From: Australia
A lot of focus is on the horizontal stabilizer and it's apparent tendency to be the primary cause of the rolling moment. Is anyone aware of any actual data to support this, or is this spin from Robinson's new private equity owners to try and rebrand the type as less susceptible to mast bumping?
Robinson R66 (merged threads)
See from post 425 onwards.
I don't see it as spin, after all, it is effectively Robinson saying the original configuration wasn't ideal and the new configuration is an improvement.
Last edited by helispotter; 30th June 2025 at 10:15.
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,379
Likes: 490
From: Melbourne
A lot of focus is on the horizontal stabilizer and it's apparent tendency to be the primary cause of the rolling moment. Is anyone aware of any actual data to support this, or is this spin from Robinson's new private equity owners to try and rebrand the type as less susceptible to mast bumping?
Joined: Dec 2024
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 101
Likes: 95
From: Maskot
ATSB YouTube link
The fitment of the camera in this case may have long lasting benefits for owners and operators of these machines.
The fitment of the camera in this case may have long lasting benefits for owners and operators of these machines.
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 880
Likes: 225
From: Australia
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 444
From: QLD - where drivers are yet to realise that the left lane goes to their destination too.
Out of context Dick. Also inappropriate. The guy's dead whether that Billion was spent or not. Saving it certainly didn't save him.
