HAA fatal 4-2-23 Alabama EC-130

[Gordy]

Originally Posted by wrench1

Yes as noted above. However, there have been some recent changes where Part 135 operators can implement a max 70 age limit if they so choose provided they meet certain criteria.

Which regulation is this? I cannot find it.

[wrench1]

Originally Posted by Gordy

Which regulation is this? I cannot find it.

Not a regulation but law. H. R. 2617 passed this year. Page 799, Section 107 gets you the text.
Its actually a second attempt with a few articles out there that give the history. Here's one: https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...ge-91k-135-ops

EDIT: got my skis crossed. When looking for other references was informed the final bill specified "turbojet" ops vs simply "operations" from the original bill several years ago. Doubtful this bill will have any effect on your ops or other "turboshaft" operations. My bad.

[Gordy]

Originally Posted by wrench1

Doubtful this bill will have any effect on your ops or other "turboshaft" operations. My bad.

All good, I have to say I kind of agree with the limit for certain operations. I know a few 70 = year old helicopter pilots who should prolly hang up their helmet but refuse.

[dragon6172]

Originally Posted by verticalspin

A closer look at the ADS-B exchange data does in fact look more like a regular high and low recon. One of the pictures of the aircraft on the ground does show power lines crossing the road in the background.

Looks like a bit more than a "regular" high/low recon. 20 minutes time elapsed from the first time they crossed Hwy 43 until the last data point. Even if you take out that first large sweeping LH turn, there is still 15 minutes of circling up and down the road.

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted by dragon6172

Looks like a bit more than a "regular" high/low recon. 20 minutes time elapsed from the first time they crossed Hwy 43 until the last data point. Even if you take out that first large sweeping LH turn, there is still 15 minutes of circling up and down the road.

They could have had trouble locating the casualty and perhaps waiting for the road to be closed.

[dragon6172]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

They could have had trouble locating the casualty and perhaps waiting for the road to be closed.

That's my point. Wouldn't be a "regular" high/low recon then.

[[email protected]]

Still seems like a normal event though, I've lost count of the times the casualty wasn't where we were told or there was more than one person on the ground matching the description.

The fact they went round a few times doesn't give cause for concern, maybe they were just being extra cautious due to the LS.

If they had any technical problems, it seems unlikely they would continue to try and land.

[havoc]

Stand-off protocol?

Some programs have an airborne standoff protocol in which they do not want the helicopter circling overhead as a “rush or distraction “ for the ground resources. Distance is determined by the local/situation but usually comms with the ground has been established.

Not saying that is the case in this incident, don’t know their SOP.

[wrench1]

Prelim released. Interesting chain of events...

A witness and his wife were driving down a road when they saw a helicopter off to the side of the road about 100 ft away and 3 to 4 ft above the ground. The helicopter was hovering, facing south, and parallel to the road. The helicopter then rapidly ascended and turned towards the road where they were traveling on. The helicopter moved above the car for several seconds and turned 180° back toward a field, and immediately the helicopter pitched nose down and impacted the road behind them.

EC130 Alabama EMS Prelim

[[email protected]]

Bizarre chain of events - hopefully the Vision 1000 will show what actually caused the accident.