NZ Queenstown Helicopter crash Feb 2015
 

Two dead in helicopter crash near Queenstown | Stuff.co.nz

RIP mate

RIP Mate. A fine man and a true Royal. Sincere condolences to the families. Not a good day.

DCA/R44/31 Prohibition of Flight - C016-7 Main Rotor Blades

Applicability All Robinson R44 series helicopters fitted with main rotor blades P/N
C016-7.
Requirement: To prevent the possibility of main rotor blade separation and
consequent loss of the helicopter, further flight is prohibited.
Compliance : Before further flight.
Note 1: Aircraft in remote locations may complete one further flight to the
nearest appropriate facility, provided that they are subject to a
detailed visual inspection of the blade skin in the region of the
outboard chord increase.
Continuing Airworthiness Notice CAN 62-003 refers.
Ensure blade is clean and inspect upper and lower surface paying
attention to defects in paint which may signify cracking.
Note 2: This Airworthiness Directive is issued as a result of initial advice from
the investigators conducting the scene investigation into a fatal R44
accident near Queenstown that occurred on 19 Feb 2015. Scene
examination suggests that the aircraft may have experienced an in-
flight main rotor blade failure similar to that reported in CAA
Continuing Airworthiness Notice 62-003. The AD will remain in place

I wonder if the blade saga will ever end.... RIP

RIP mate - I'm gutted