Helicopter down in Yarra River Melbourne
 

7pm on Dec 29th
Few details at the moment, one person missing one rescued.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/nation...778765256.html


Mickjoebill

Early report is Aussie Copters' operating a cross hired R44. Pilot missing, pax escaped after ditching.

Very, very sad: condolences to the pilot's family :sad:

Very sad...
 

The Pilots body has been found with the Co-Pilot rescued. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of all concerned.

Article from the Herald-Sun
 

Very Sad for all concerned, particularly over this family period of the year.

The name of the co-pilot[??] on the R44 seems to be "with held".

Anyone know where this chap is from?

I agree with the condolences of this accident. Our TV News showed the R44 being lifted from the river. Our Safety Boys expect to take 3 days to determine the cause. After take off the machine flew only 50 mts then ditched...why???....low RPM???...Possibly is my opinion.

Prc, If you're a qualified accident investigation engineer or whatever they are called then I respect your opinion, if not leave the speculation alone and let the ATSB give us the answers after they have spoken with the survivor and conducted their investigation.
Cheers
Ringer

4 pics below, just skip that add!

http://www.news.com.au/gallery/0,236...007150,00.html

The cabin space appears to be mostly intact, indicating probability of a survivable impact. Seeing this drives home the value of HUET drills.

and helmets............

Don't know why helmets aren't worn more often for all styles of operations... I've worn a helmet during scenic operations and never had 1 pax complain nor ask why i wear it....

Very sad to hear about this accident. RIP.

Has anybody heard what was the cause?

Speculation at this stage of course, but word is possible turbulence/downdraft off large boat shed to the south of crash position might have contributed.

Obviously wait for ATSB report for actual cause.

Few interesting side issues involved in this one which might come out at end of day.

Condolences to all family and friends.

Di :(

What side issues?

Actions of pilot after accident. Cant say more so dont ask.

Di

What a strange thing to say, deeper. ATSB were there all day, and the investigation is continuing. You might notice the chap with "ATSB" on his hat in this photo?

http://www.news.com.au/common/imaged...5820806,00.jpg



As for the "boatshed": with a 20+kt southerly as on the day, departing to the north of the shed, there is often noticeable turbulence coming off the building. This picture is taken from just NE of the helipad (looking downriver to the SW), the departure would have been to the bottom right, with a left turn out to the right of the moorings on the centre right of the picture.

http://www.dalboramarinas.com.au/DAL...ner_pier35.jpg

Deeper

The lead accident investigator investigating this accident has been with the ATSB for over 10 years. He was at the accident scene the day after it happened.

Before joining the ATSB he was with Sikorsky as a Field Service Rep (Tech Rep) in Australia and before that he was attached to the Thai Navy as the on site Field Service Rep for their Seahawks. He has years of helicopter experience before that both in Sikorsky (working as an engineer in their production facility) and the US Military. He probably has over 30 years in the industry.

How does your industry experience compare, it would be interesting to see what lies behind your theory as to the cause of this accident.

Thanks John,

I understand it is usual to avoid this route, but may have been chosen on this occasion due to large container ship having just passed by heading up stream.

Di :sad:

Hi,

Condolences to the family.

Im just about to start training and the helmet issue interests me, what is the thought on fire proof flight suits and helmets whilst training?

Would I get laughed at or a pat on the back for being sensible?

All thoughts greatly appreciated please.

J.

You will get a bit of both. A pat from those who understand the possibilities arising from helicopter accidents and and a laugh from those who don't. Wear a helmet. :ok: Ditto fire proof suit. Shame to survive the clout on the head from the rotor blade coming through the cockpit and then getting burnt because you're wearing that cool looking blue aviator nylon bomber jacket. Know of an aviator who after suffering terrible burns as a result of a crash on take off (engine failure) made a living on the lecture circuit (albeit military) telling aircrew how to dress if they wanted to survive.