Robinson R44 Accident Panama 19th Feb 09 3 fatalities
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Robinson R44 Accident Panama 19th Feb 09 3 fatalities
According to the media reports an R44 Raven ll aparently exploded in mid air and crashed at Tocumen International airport killing all three on board. From the photos it looks unlikely to be an airborn explosion as it seems to be a small impact area, and what the heck would cause an R44 to explode mid air? Apparently the pilot reported mechanical problems and asked to land at the airport, they were returning from the Darien. I new one of those onboard... RIP
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Doesn't seems like...They are considered to be Panamanian citizens......
3 dead in civilian helicopter crash in Panama - MSNBC Wire Services- msnbc.com
Here is a picture (not really expressive though)
Helicopter crash in panama city - iReport.com
3 dead in civilian helicopter crash in Panama - MSNBC Wire Services- msnbc.com
Here is a picture (not really expressive though)
Helicopter crash in panama city - iReport.com
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No, I think I know to whom you are refering but as far as the reports say this was a private Helicopter so I assume no operator involved. See Prensa.com or Reuters.com for pictures and reports.
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Robinson R44 Accident Panama 2/19/09 3 fatalities
My good friend of 40+ years was the pilot in this one. He was an excellent pilot - the best. Early reports are that the R44 caught fire at 800ft altitude, over Panama City International Airport. There may have been an explosion. Two passengers. One occopant and two suitcases exited the copter before it hit the ground, and many meters from impact. Impact was by the approach road to the terminal. There were witnesses, so the account should get filled in.
My gnawing question is: Have there been any other R44 in flight fires, and what could be the cause? Perhaps a missing Fuel Filler cap? Burned bearing? Exhaust Leak? Fuel line leak? I am at a loss. Any ideas?
For Gary to go, it had to be a fatal mech failure of some kind. He was a very cautious and skilled pilot. The best I ever knew. He gave me my first flying lesson in 1968.
Since there are no other incidents I could find of inflight fires for the R44, and Gary was so careful with maintenance, preflight inspections, and piloting, I even wonder if there was some foul play? It would not have been directed at Gary personally. Perhaps his passengers. Everybody liked and respected Gary Vaucher. I look forward to a detailed investigation of the accident remains and circumstances.
My gnawing question is: Have there been any other R44 in flight fires, and what could be the cause? Perhaps a missing Fuel Filler cap? Burned bearing? Exhaust Leak? Fuel line leak? I am at a loss. Any ideas?
For Gary to go, it had to be a fatal mech failure of some kind. He was a very cautious and skilled pilot. The best I ever knew. He gave me my first flying lesson in 1968.
Since there are no other incidents I could find of inflight fires for the R44, and Gary was so careful with maintenance, preflight inspections, and piloting, I even wonder if there was some foul play? It would not have been directed at Gary personally. Perhaps his passengers. Everybody liked and respected Gary Vaucher. I look forward to a detailed investigation of the accident remains and circumstances.
Last edited by coptercop; 28th Feb 2019 at 11:05.
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I very sorry for your loss coptercop.
You seem certain that it was a fire close to the engine or to do with fuel, however a electrical fire cannot be ruled out, which could have occurred in the cockpit.
You don't have much time to react at 800 ft and if your cockpit becomes full of smoke which makes it hard to see and breath, then you are in a very difficult situation.
Here's another thread that you may find interesting reading:
http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/361...t-what-if.html
Once again I'm very sorry for you loss of a close friend.
You seem certain that it was a fire close to the engine or to do with fuel, however a electrical fire cannot be ruled out, which could have occurred in the cockpit.
You don't have much time to react at 800 ft and if your cockpit becomes full of smoke which makes it hard to see and breath, then you are in a very difficult situation.
Here's another thread that you may find interesting reading:
http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/361...t-what-if.html
Once again I'm very sorry for you loss of a close friend.
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Thoughts and Observations from News Accounts
The occupants who rode to the ground were partially burned, but not burned up. There is a photo of one of the bodies (not Gary) being carried away in one of the articles, and most of him was not burned. Perhaps it was the one who exited early and he was also burned, I cannot tell. An electrical fire would probably not have generated as much flame as was apparently seen surrounding the copter as it came down. I think it was fuel.
Certainly the pilot Gary Vaucher made a valiant effort to get on the ground when the flames broke out. Perhaps all the more he could have done is descend immediately instead of making a turn to get on the airport grounds. Perhaps he smelled smoke or fuel. One account said He requested of the tower to deviate from his track to his destination airport and turn to the international airport. I guess the lesson here is get down NOW if you smell fuel or smoke, and shut down what may be making it. That is the universal recommendation. We will see if the impact, or smoke and fire inhalation was the reason they did not survive.
Certainly the pilot Gary Vaucher made a valiant effort to get on the ground when the flames broke out. Perhaps all the more he could have done is descend immediately instead of making a turn to get on the airport grounds. Perhaps he smelled smoke or fuel. One account said He requested of the tower to deviate from his track to his destination airport and turn to the international airport. I guess the lesson here is get down NOW if you smell fuel or smoke, and shut down what may be making it. That is the universal recommendation. We will see if the impact, or smoke and fire inhalation was the reason they did not survive.
Last edited by coptercop; 22nd Feb 2009 at 05:02.
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Links to news articles with photos, translated from Spanish
As time goes by, you may have to search these sites for the article.
This one shows where Pilot Gary Vaucher fell from the helicopter through the roof of the parking garage.
Translated version of http://laestrella.com.pa/
find headline: "Pilot Fell Before" (you may have to look under most emailed links, or search the site for this)
Then look on that page under related links for: "Voucher Pilot Fell From 800 Meters" to see photo of parking structure damage.
===================================
AAC-Release No 1
Translated version of http://www.aeronautica.gob.pa/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=619&Itemid=1
===================================
Look for headline "Helicopter Drops and Leaves 3 Dead"
Translated version of http://www.elsiglo.com/siglov2/La_Roja.php?idsec=8&fechaz=20-02-2009
====================================
Article Headline "Exploded in Flight"
Translated version of http://www.critica.com.pa/archivo/02202009/portada.html
====================================
"Three People Die by Falling Helicopter in Panama"
Translated version of http://latercera.com/contenido/678_103092_9.shtml
====================================
"Three Killed by Falling Helicopter"
Translated version of http://www.midiario.com/article.asp?art=852&edit=59
====================================
"Three Dead on Falling Helicopter at Airport"
Translated version of http://www.critica.com.pa/
====================================
"Three Dead in Helicopter Crash" (New Photo)
Three dead in helicopter crash :: La Estrella Panamá :: laestrella.com.pa :: 2009#
if these links do not work, let me know.
This one shows where Pilot Gary Vaucher fell from the helicopter through the roof of the parking garage.
Translated version of http://laestrella.com.pa/
find headline: "Pilot Fell Before" (you may have to look under most emailed links, or search the site for this)
Then look on that page under related links for: "Voucher Pilot Fell From 800 Meters" to see photo of parking structure damage.
===================================
AAC-Release No 1
Translated version of http://www.aeronautica.gob.pa/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=619&Itemid=1
===================================
Look for headline "Helicopter Drops and Leaves 3 Dead"
Translated version of http://www.elsiglo.com/siglov2/La_Roja.php?idsec=8&fechaz=20-02-2009
====================================
Article Headline "Exploded in Flight"
Translated version of http://www.critica.com.pa/archivo/02202009/portada.html
====================================
"Three People Die by Falling Helicopter in Panama"
Translated version of http://latercera.com/contenido/678_103092_9.shtml
====================================
"Three Killed by Falling Helicopter"
Translated version of http://www.midiario.com/article.asp?art=852&edit=59
====================================
"Three Dead on Falling Helicopter at Airport"
Translated version of http://www.critica.com.pa/
====================================
"Three Dead in Helicopter Crash" (New Photo)
Three dead in helicopter crash :: La Estrella Panamá :: laestrella.com.pa :: 2009#
if these links do not work, let me know.
Last edited by coptercop; 23rd Feb 2009 at 23:43.
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Report says Pilot Gary Vaucher was Ejected or Fell before crash!
This report, just out today identifies the person who was ejected or fell from the R44 before it crashed as being the Pilot, Gary Vaucher. The report also stated that he did not have burns on his body. Earlier news reports indicated that a witness said the person who fell was accompanied by two suitcases. This is a very strange outcome.
Link to Article:
Translated version of http://laestrella.com.pa/
find headline: "Pilot Fell Before" (you may have to look under most emailed links, or search the site for this)
Then look on that page under related links for: "Voucher Pilot Fell From 800 Meters" to see photo of parking structure damage.
Link to Article:
Translated version of http://laestrella.com.pa/
find headline: "Pilot Fell Before" (you may have to look under most emailed links, or search the site for this)
Then look on that page under related links for: "Voucher Pilot Fell From 800 Meters" to see photo of parking structure damage.
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Speculation on How Pilot came out of Helicopter
In conversation tonight with another of Pilot's 40 year plus friends, Jack, we both agreed that the pilot Gary Vaucher would never intentionally depart from the cushioning structure of the aircraft, and any control, no matter how grave the situation, and NEVER EVER abandon his passengers.
The burning question is why did the pilot Gary Vaucher have his safety harness off?
Secondly, how did the door get opened?
Thirdly, Why were there suitcases on the ground by the Pilot.
WHY WAS THE PILOT'S HARNESS OFF?:
A link in a blog above, http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/361...t-what-if.html),
refers to discussions about the location of the fire extinguisher in the cockpit of the R44. Some of the bloggers said the fire extinguisher is located on the opposite side of the cabin, out of reach of the pilot. The specific statement was that to reach the fire extinguisher, the pilot would have to release his safety harness. This seems plausable in the case of this accident. (There was also the blog that said if a fire extinguisher were discharged in the cabin, it would make it impossible to see, and the powder would adhere to the inside of the windshield). If not the fire extinguisher, the pilot may have released his harness to reach or retrieve an emergency checklist or some other item.
WHY WERE THE DOORS OPEN? First, there was a witness report that there was an explosion and fire in the cabin before the Pilot came out of the helicopter. The explosion itself could have blown the doors open from their latches. Another explanation is that there was smoke or fuel fumes in the cabin, and the doors had been cracked open for ventilation by the pilot and passengers. This is highly likely.
WHY WERE THERE SUITCASES BY THE PILOT ON THE GROUND? There appears a large dent in a vehicle behind the body in a photo from the news, along with a large black item. Closer inspection supports the idea that the black item is a large suitcase, and the dent in the car could have been from the suitcase. Both are inside of the police caution tape, under the hole in the metal roof.
Perhaps the suitcases were Behind the pilot, not tied down, on the same side of the helicopter. While Gary had his harness off to reach for the fire extinguisher, perhaps the cyclical was pushed to the side, and/or the collective was pressed down, or the Yaw pedal was pressed, and the helicopter attitude shifted. Both the unsecured pilot and the unsecured suitcases would have come out because the doors were unlatched.
Jack and I have also speculated that the suitcases may have been in the front with the pilot, and were perhaps in the way to getting to the fire extinguisher, or perhaps they were heavy and burdening the helicopter, or for some reason had to be removed. In this case, we speculate the pilot removed his harness to toss the suitcases out and perhaps to get to the fire extinguisher. The suitcases could have slipped across against the controls. An inadvertant push on the cyclical, or some other change in the attitude of the helicopter could easily have sent Gary out the door with the suitcases.
These are the ONLY reasonable explanations we can come up with for Gary exiting the helicopter before his passengers. We believe one of these explanations IS the explanation for this bizarre event. Gary FELL out the door. He would not and could not exit voluntarily. We know him very well. He would have taken whatever control he had to care for his passengers.
It is also highly likely that if Gary had not slipped out of the helicopter, he may have put it on the ground in a survivable way.
The burning question is why did the pilot Gary Vaucher have his safety harness off?
Secondly, how did the door get opened?
Thirdly, Why were there suitcases on the ground by the Pilot.
WHY WAS THE PILOT'S HARNESS OFF?:
A link in a blog above, http://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/361...t-what-if.html),
refers to discussions about the location of the fire extinguisher in the cockpit of the R44. Some of the bloggers said the fire extinguisher is located on the opposite side of the cabin, out of reach of the pilot. The specific statement was that to reach the fire extinguisher, the pilot would have to release his safety harness. This seems plausable in the case of this accident. (There was also the blog that said if a fire extinguisher were discharged in the cabin, it would make it impossible to see, and the powder would adhere to the inside of the windshield). If not the fire extinguisher, the pilot may have released his harness to reach or retrieve an emergency checklist or some other item.
WHY WERE THE DOORS OPEN? First, there was a witness report that there was an explosion and fire in the cabin before the Pilot came out of the helicopter. The explosion itself could have blown the doors open from their latches. Another explanation is that there was smoke or fuel fumes in the cabin, and the doors had been cracked open for ventilation by the pilot and passengers. This is highly likely.
WHY WERE THERE SUITCASES BY THE PILOT ON THE GROUND? There appears a large dent in a vehicle behind the body in a photo from the news, along with a large black item. Closer inspection supports the idea that the black item is a large suitcase, and the dent in the car could have been from the suitcase. Both are inside of the police caution tape, under the hole in the metal roof.
Perhaps the suitcases were Behind the pilot, not tied down, on the same side of the helicopter. While Gary had his harness off to reach for the fire extinguisher, perhaps the cyclical was pushed to the side, and/or the collective was pressed down, or the Yaw pedal was pressed, and the helicopter attitude shifted. Both the unsecured pilot and the unsecured suitcases would have come out because the doors were unlatched.
Jack and I have also speculated that the suitcases may have been in the front with the pilot, and were perhaps in the way to getting to the fire extinguisher, or perhaps they were heavy and burdening the helicopter, or for some reason had to be removed. In this case, we speculate the pilot removed his harness to toss the suitcases out and perhaps to get to the fire extinguisher. The suitcases could have slipped across against the controls. An inadvertant push on the cyclical, or some other change in the attitude of the helicopter could easily have sent Gary out the door with the suitcases.
These are the ONLY reasonable explanations we can come up with for Gary exiting the helicopter before his passengers. We believe one of these explanations IS the explanation for this bizarre event. Gary FELL out the door. He would not and could not exit voluntarily. We know him very well. He would have taken whatever control he had to care for his passengers.
It is also highly likely that if Gary had not slipped out of the helicopter, he may have put it on the ground in a survivable way.
Last edited by coptercop; 22nd Feb 2009 at 21:07.
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Possible that the Pilot was ejected because the engine/gearbox froze
In another conversation with a fellow pilot, he suggested that instead of the controls being accidentally pushed while the pilot was unstrapped, the engine and drivetrain could have frozen. The resultant instant torque from stopping the main rotor mass could have been severe, tossing the unsecured pilot and luggage through the doors, whether they were latched or not.
One witness account said that the main rotor had folded up. This may be another indication that the main rotar shaft made an abrupt stop. More details from witnesses could help here. I noticed in the crash photo that both rotors were still placed as if they were attached on impact. However, one seemed to be missing the inner portion of the blade, with the tubular spar exposed.
One witness account said that the main rotor had folded up. This may be another indication that the main rotar shaft made an abrupt stop. More details from witnesses could help here. I noticed in the crash photo that both rotors were still placed as if they were attached on impact. However, one seemed to be missing the inner portion of the blade, with the tubular spar exposed.
Last edited by coptercop; 23rd Feb 2009 at 05:45.
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In flight fire in R44
I am aware of one case where blade impact on the fuselage during break-up apparently resulted in a ruptured fuel tank and consequent fire before the aircraft impacted the ground. The fire appears to have been as a result of the initial event. The fire was not the cause of the crash.
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R44 In-flight fire
Blakmax:
Thank you for that information. The NTSB has been called in on this one. Hopefully they get to the eyewitnesses before their memories get foggy. To reconstruct the events, as unusual as they seem to be, I think these eyewitnesses need to be questioned immediately. The news reports gave some of the accounts, and perhaps they can help to find the eyewitnesses.
- Coptercop
Thank you for that information. The NTSB has been called in on this one. Hopefully they get to the eyewitnesses before their memories get foggy. To reconstruct the events, as unusual as they seem to be, I think these eyewitnesses need to be questioned immediately. The news reports gave some of the accounts, and perhaps they can help to find the eyewitnesses.
- Coptercop
Last edited by coptercop; 23rd Feb 2009 at 23:40. Reason: spelling
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R44 Down in Austria One fatality no fire January 26
The accident January 26, in Austria, did not have any fire. It was a ferry flight after maintenance. Perhaps fuel exhaustion, came down in thick trees. Helicopter spent time circling a village before crash. No apparent similarities to this accident.
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The request to deviate to Tocumen was weather related and no emergency was declared. Just a coincidence that the explosion happened shortly after and it appears that there was no prior warning of a problem and nothing Gary could have done. I suppose the explosion must have been in the cabin for the pilot to have been ejected, we'll have to wait for the final investigation report to see if they were carrying any dangerous goods.
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All quiet. Any updates?
Has anyone heard any updates on the NTSB investigations?
Last edited by blakmax; 7th Sep 2009 at 11:44. Reason: Digital problem. Left finger faster than right. Typo.
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Hi there,
sad story though.
Among the posts I have read a question about a similar fire in flight regardless of R44. I have myself been taught a story about a R44 catching fire in flight in Haiti too...
one thing to consider maybe during preflying.
Davy
sad story though.
Among the posts I have read a question about a similar fire in flight regardless of R44. I have myself been taught a story about a R44 catching fire in flight in Haiti too...
one thing to consider maybe during preflying.
Davy
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Hi Blakmax,
The Investigation is not being undertaken by the NTSB, they are just reporting what is given to them by the Panamanian authority, which is didley squat... The Panama CAA website has not been updated since the accident and just contains a couple of grisly photos followed by a couple of "Intentionally Blank" pages
Saludos
TS
The Investigation is not being undertaken by the NTSB, they are just reporting what is given to them by the Panamanian authority, which is didley squat... The Panama CAA website has not been updated since the accident and just contains a couple of grisly photos followed by a couple of "Intentionally Blank" pages
Saludos
TS