South Maroota NSW crash
Here is an Enstrom (N9285) pilot from the USA showing cockpit footage of a bird strike and then discussing his response after the incident, including a precautionary landing where he found the bird did indeed strike the rotor mast:
Enstrom helicopters have that curious feature where the pitch control linkages must run up inside the mast, therefore being somewhat protected. However from 1:35 into the footage the pilot makes mention of a fatal USMC helicopter crash when a hawk struck one of its pitch control links. It is probably the AH-1W Cobra described in this news report:
https://verticalmag.com/news/20595-h...arted-12-html/
Enstrom helicopters have that curious feature where the pitch control linkages must run up inside the mast, therefore being somewhat protected. However from 1:35 into the footage the pilot makes mention of a fatal USMC helicopter crash when a hawk struck one of its pitch control links. It is probably the AH-1W Cobra described in this news report:
https://verticalmag.com/news/20595-h...arted-12-html/
A quick google search uncovered several articles on the 76 Crash.
It involved a Red Tail Hawk that hit the upper edge of the Windscreen and deformed the frame and pushed it back causing a loss of Engine Control.
Of note the Operator had replaced the original windscreens to save weight.
Safety Lessons from a Fatal Helicopter Bird Strike: Sikorsky S-76C++ N748P, 4 January 2009 - Aerossurance
It involved a Red Tail Hawk that hit the upper edge of the Windscreen and deformed the frame and pushed it back causing a loss of Engine Control.
Of note the Operator had replaced the original windscreens to save weight.
Safety Lessons from a Fatal Helicopter Bird Strike: Sikorsky S-76C++ N748P, 4 January 2009 - Aerossurance
Interesting video,helispotter. Thanks for sharing. I wonder if the black rotor shaft / cylinder design of the Enstrom is a big plus for safety with this kind of thing. I assume the rods / cables as well as rotating shaft are all packed inside it.
Glider pilots have an intimate relationship with Wedge Tails as they share the same thermals. Pilots have reported them gliding in the upwash at the wings leading edge, one had a bird try to attack him through the canopy by pecking at the perspex.
Tickle: That black rotor mast on the Enstrom does rotate and drives the rotor hub. My understanding is that there must be three pitch links that make their way up inside this hollow mast from a swashplate mounted below the mast. I think it is just coincidental that the blood of the bird was towards the front of the mast as that is where it happened to have stopped once shut down on the ground.
Final report is out.
Wedgetail strike just below the left windscreen likely resulted in a startle-reflex-induced control input that resulted in the rotor striking and severing the tail boom.
Wedgetail strike just below the left windscreen likely resulted in a startle-reflex-induced control input that resulted in the rotor striking and severing the tail boom.
