El Cajon 'troubled' landing by TV helicopter
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Joined: Aug 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
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From: Gold Coast, Australia
El Cajon 'troubled' landing by TV helicopter
ABC10
Video report in the ABC10 link 
EL CAJON, Calif. (KGTV) - A news helicopter had what County of San Diego officials called a “troubled” landing in El Cajon Tuesday.
The incident with the Bell 206B helicopter was reported about 2:15 p.m. in the parking area of Gillespie Field at 681 Kenney St., Santee Fire reported.
Video recorded by the news helicopter appears that it was a normal landing in which the helicopter skids land on a movable platform called a dolly. The dolly can then be pulled into a hangar. It seems from the last seconds of the video clip that one of the helicopter skids may have missed the platform and the chopper then tipped over.
When emergency crews arrived, the helicopter was on its side.
The pilot was not hurt but the passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, officials said.
Hazardous Materials teams were notified of a small fire and fuel spill, according to the County.
"The aircraft rolled over while landing, caught fire and sustained substantial damage. The degree of damage means this will be classified as an accident," said FAA spokesperson Ian McGregor.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate the landing.
The news helicopter is operated by a third party and shared by five San Diego media outlets, including 10News.
The incident with the Bell 206B helicopter was reported about 2:15 p.m. in the parking area of Gillespie Field at 681 Kenney St., Santee Fire reported.
Video recorded by the news helicopter appears that it was a normal landing in which the helicopter skids land on a movable platform called a dolly. The dolly can then be pulled into a hangar. It seems from the last seconds of the video clip that one of the helicopter skids may have missed the platform and the chopper then tipped over.
When emergency crews arrived, the helicopter was on its side.
The pilot was not hurt but the passenger was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, officials said.
Hazardous Materials teams were notified of a small fire and fuel spill, according to the County.
"The aircraft rolled over while landing, caught fire and sustained substantial damage. The degree of damage means this will be classified as an accident," said FAA spokesperson Ian McGregor.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate the landing.
The news helicopter is operated by a third party and shared by five San Diego media outlets, including 10News.
Joined: Sep 2002
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
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From: Great South East, tired and retired
But did they move the dolly away from the school and hospital before the crash? That makes the pilot a hero.
Dollies have always been a challenge - make it big enough to reduce all risks, and it weighs a ton, costs a fortune to build, and takes up too much space in the hangar. And a big strong trolley has big wheels, which increase the falling risk for those working up on the deck. And make sure you don't put a lip on it, they are famous for catching a skid and rolling the bird over.
Dollies have always been a challenge - make it big enough to reduce all risks, and it weighs a ton, costs a fortune to build, and takes up too much space in the hangar. And a big strong trolley has big wheels, which increase the falling risk for those working up on the deck. And make sure you don't put a lip on it, they are famous for catching a skid and rolling the bird over.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,697
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From: Wanaka, NZ
It's not difficult. Lots of choices. Don't take up much space in the hangar at all.
https://www.aero-access.com/catalog/...s.html?ps=1000
https://www.aero-access.com/catalog/...s.html?ps=1000
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 518
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From: London/Atlanta
Dolly landing accidents
These accidents are not uncommon and there have been some horrific accidents(some discussed on this forum)
As per gulliBell link there are some way safer options, especially if you are landing on terra firma and need to move to a hangar etc.
When it comes refueling/reloading spraying liquid at least you have a pad that won’t slip away from you!
As per gulliBell link there are some way safer options, especially if you are landing on terra firma and need to move to a hangar etc.
When it comes refueling/reloading spraying liquid at least you have a pad that won’t slip away from you!
Last edited by nomorehelosforme; 28th August 2019 at 23:40.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 518
Likes: 50
From: London/Atlanta
It's not difficult. Lots of choices. Don't take up much space in the hangar at all.
https://www.aero-access.com/catalog/...s.html?ps=1000
https://www.aero-access.com/catalog/...s.html?ps=1000
Nothing for a 135? Have one coming that needs to be moved around on the ground
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 518
Likes: 50
From: London/Atlanta
Joined: May 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 18,633
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From: Downeast
Megan is a trouble maker!
Except for some family issues....I would have happily retired in Vietnam.
During my two Tourist trips there, where I found the people to be far more friendly than my first two trips, I discovered the Ladies are every bit as pretty as they were in 1968-1970.
However, I am betting they are just as mercenary and cold hearted as their Western sisters when they decide to be rid of you.
But.....that a ride that could be a good one while it lasts!
One thing is for sure....when you make one of them smile....their countenance is a joy to behold!
Except for some family issues....I would have happily retired in Vietnam.
During my two Tourist trips there, where I found the people to be far more friendly than my first two trips, I discovered the Ladies are every bit as pretty as they were in 1968-1970.
However, I am betting they are just as mercenary and cold hearted as their Western sisters when they decide to be rid of you.
But.....that a ride that could be a good one while it lasts!
One thing is for sure....when you make one of them smile....their countenance is a joy to behold!
