Apache cuts powerline in Germany
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Apache cuts powerline in Germany
Near Windelsbach in Germany a Apache ran in a powerline. It landed with quite a bit of damage nearby. Apparently its a training area for the US-Army and they quite often fly under the power line. This time it was too close.
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The German report says it was six wires they cut and as you see it was a power line.
By the way - it also says there was no power cut to anybody / any facility as other systems jumped right in!
After reading the report again it seems the helicopter "only" hit the top line and that let the mast collapse which then ripped the six power lines.
By the way - it also says there was no power cut to anybody / any facility as other systems jumped right in!
After reading the report again it seems the helicopter "only" hit the top line and that let the mast collapse which then ripped the six power lines.
Last edited by evil7; 28th Sep 2019 at 07:57. Reason: additional info
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Well, the article says, it hit a heavy steel cable. On the picture you see that the top cable is still under tension and therefore probably not broken. Anyway, top cables today - well here where I life - are data and ground cables and not that heavy. I don't think it is strong enough to pull a mast down. On the other hand, the six high voltage cables - mostly aluminium with a steel core - are all at the same level. How could he have cut all of them in a row and still be able to land the ship? The damage on the ship isn't extensive.
Last edited by Rotorbee; 28th Sep 2019 at 11:48. Reason: Because I wanted to.
Flying Under Power Lines
FWIW, returning from a patrol mission along the West German/Czechoslovakian border with the U.S. Army in the late 1980s, we took some time for the accompanying AH-1 to do a series of under-the-wires crossings. My impression was that it was box checking for a proficiency requirement. No lines visible in this picture, but it was during that activity, IIRC.
Bell AH-1F Cobra by Mark Carlisle, on Flickr
Bell AH-1F Cobra by Mark Carlisle, on Flickr
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In the 1980s it was classed as a routine exercise. RAF crews were required to practice under-wires crossings at least once a month. It wasn't done at cruise speed though!
