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-   -   EC225 crash near Bergen, Norway April 2016 (https://www.pprune.org/rotorheads/578298-ec225-crash-near-bergen-norway-april-2016-a.html)

What happens if I pr 30th Apr 2016 11:28

Just for info, since the REDW incident, all oil and gas aircraft flying in the North Sea have to have a hums download and the data analysis before d next flight. this is a CRS requirement needing a signature from a qualified engineer.
Any HUMS issues between flights have to be logged and reported, delaying or stopping the next flight as necessary.

squib66 30th Apr 2016 11:38

REDHANDED (13 posts in 5.5 years, half on this thread): Well done on your rapid learning!!!!:hmm:

At 08:26 you said:

Why are the authorities so against forcing the operators to monitor and use the HUMS data?
By 12:04 you have found the CAP that supports the UK regulation that requires HUMS (the Norwegian have a rule in the BSL too and EASA have published the rule to expand that across Europe):


The guidance to operators given in CAP 753 states that the period between the successful download and assessment of any primary VHM indicator, used for monitoring the engine and rotor drive system components, should not exceed 25 hours.
However that is the MEL limit not the guidance on how often to download*.

The CAA guidance earlier in that CAP is that HUMS should be downloaded ideally even during rotors running turnarounds.


Just for info, since the REDW incident, all oil and gas aircraft flying in the North Sea have to have a hums download and the data analysis before d next flight.
Though that was common practice with some operators before.

However, at this stage assumptions of what or might not have detected something and when are fantasy only.


but we went round and round this buoy at the time and it got tedious.
ahmen

* OGP don't even quote that as they still refer to a CAP that was redundant when CAP753 was issued in 2006! OGP guidelines are only for daily downloads (and I'm sure they would oppose rotors running HUMS downloads, especially offshore).

REDHANDED 30th Apr 2016 11:41


Originally Posted by What happens if I pr (Post 9361493)
Just for info, since the REDW incident, all oil and gas aircraft flying in the North Sea have to have a hums download and the data analysis before d next flight. this is a CRS requirement needing a signature from a qualified engineer.
Any HUMS issues between flights have to be logged and reported, delaying or stopping the next flight as necessary.

I know, but it's not stopping accidents happening. The alerts are only as good as the algorithms used to set them. We need more data inputs from the manufacturers and operators to enable better alert thresholds to be set so that warnings can be actioned in good time. I question the manufacturers current advice on how to act upon warnings from the HUMS. It was wrong wrt G-REDW

stacey_s 30th Apr 2016 11:43

In the video it is interesting to see that there are only four blades still attached.

squib66 30th Apr 2016 11:45

REDHANDED credit where credit is due, this point is sound.


The alerts are only as good as the algorithms used to set them. We need more data inputs from the manufacturers and operators to enable better alert thresholds to be set so that warnings can be actioned in good time.
Though there is no guarantee that every failure will be detectable.

REDHANDED 30th Apr 2016 11:49


Originally Posted by squib66 (Post 9361500)
REDHANDED (13 posts in 5.5 years, half on this thread): Well done on your rapid learning!!!!:hmm:

At 08:26 you said:


By 12:04 you have found the CAP that supports the UK regulation that requires HUMS (the Norwegian have a rule in the BSL too and EASA have published the rule to expand that across Europe):



However that is the MEL limit not the guidance on how often to download*.

The CAA guidance earlier in that CAP is that HUMS should be downloaded ideally even during rotors running turnarounds.



Though that was common practice with some operators before.

However, at this stage assumptions of what or might not have detected something and when are fantasy only.

ahmen

* OGP don't even quote that as they still refer to a CAP that was redundant when CAP753 was issued in 2006! OGP guidelines are only for daily downloads (and I'm sure they would oppose rotors running HUMS downloads, especially offshore).

Thanks, a prime example of why we aren't getting anywhere with safety! You think it's tedious to try and influence how we approach a subject that has potential to save lives?

farsouth 30th Apr 2016 11:53


In the video it is interesting to see that there are only four blades still attached.
Not sure what video you are looking at, but the one of the rotor coming down appears (to me) to clearly show five blades.

PlasticCabDriver 30th Apr 2016 11:58


Originally Posted by REDHANDED (Post 9361476)
Tedious??!! Maybe if something was done to take the data and procedures more seriously lives would have been saved.

No. What is tedious is the the ill- and misinformed coming on and spouting off without knowing some basic details. Again, I direct that comment at nobody in particular.

I thought I would provide a source document of some facts (notwithstanding that the ditchings happened 4 years ago and a lot has gone on since then, Mitchaa mentions it above) that we can all use as a starting point for our discussions rather than what somebody was told in the pub by his mate who works offshore.

squib66 30th Apr 2016 11:59


Thanks, a prime example of why we aren't getting anywhere with safety! You think it's tedious to try and influence how we approach a subject that has potential to save lives?
No of course not!

Its just you are also firing a speculative blame out in all directions at the same time (including on 4 year-old accidents you had no prior comment on).

stacey_s 30th Apr 2016 12:00

Paused the video in multiple places and I only see four, mind you ay 64 years old and 49 years in the industry may have made my eyes a bit knackered. :)

Codprawn 30th Apr 2016 12:15

There is a very clear photo on page 2 of this post that shows the rotor on the ground. Some videos are clearer than others as well - looks like all blades intact to me but of course damage not clear.

ironbutt57 30th Apr 2016 12:16

I count 5 as well

Max Contingency 30th Apr 2016 12:32

Professional helicopter pilots buy a ticket in the Great Gearbox Lottery every time we fly.

We have all heard of rotor head separation before but I believe that this is the first time it has ever been captured on camera.

To see that rotor head, the size of a small house, rotating down without the rest of the aircraft sent a chill right down my spine.

Yes the passengers would have been terrified but only the pilots would have known the absolute finality of what was happening.

Made an entry in my diary, simply says: "Bugger" :(

Non-Driver 30th Apr 2016 12:55


Originally Posted by Max Contingency (Post 9361552)
Professional helicopter pilots buy a ticket in the Great Gearbox Lottery every time we fly.

We have all heard of rotor head separation before but I believe that this is the first time it has ever been captured on camera.

To see that rotor head, the size of a small house, rotating down without the rest of the aircraft sent a chill right down my spine.

Yes the passengers would have been terrified but only the pilots would have known the absolute finality of what was happening.

Made an entry in my diary, simply says: "Bugger" :(

For the occupants sake I hope it turns out to be a siezure prior to fracture as the g forces would have done for them instantly.

TylerMonkey 30th Apr 2016 13:01

Freeze frame shows 5 blades in video at various stages. IMO

http://i86.servimg.com/u/f86/11/94/64/62/image10.png

http://imbo.vgtv.no/users/bt_/images...]=1800x1012q50

Apate 30th Apr 2016 13:17

Perhaps Redhanded would be well advised to educate himself where the industry is now with HUMS rather than look back at history and outdated CAA guidelines.
Safety Information | HeliOffshore

I also see 5 blades on the video!

bikeface 30th Apr 2016 13:20

condolences to all involved, another sad day.
on the subject of HUMS i'm glad to see my company checking after every flight. it takes 15mins to check.

REDHANDED 30th Apr 2016 13:28


Originally Posted by Apate (Post 9361589)
Perhaps Redhanded would be well advised to educate himself where the industry is now with HUMS rather than look back at history and outdated CAA guidelines.
Safety Information | HeliOffshore

I also see 5 blades on the video!

Always happy to educate myself, thanks for the link. While I do, Maybe you could enlighten us as to where the industry is wrt HUMS.

M609 30th Apr 2016 13:28

Video of the recovery of the main body of the fuselage


High res image of the rotor head on the ground

jimf671 30th Apr 2016 13:37

1 Attachment(s)
LN-OJF


Originally Posted by Capt. Inop (Post 9360647)


G-REDL

Attachment 235

newfieboy 30th Apr 2016 13:39

Video is very chilling, doesn't bare thinking about. I knew two pilots killed through MR separation in two separate accidents.
RIP to the crew and Pax.

What happens if I pr 30th Apr 2016 14:12


Originally Posted by REDHANDED (Post 9361503)
I know, but it's not stopping accidents happening. The alerts are only as good as the algorithms used to set them. We need more data inputs from the manufacturers and operators to enable better alert thresholds to be set so that warnings can be actioned in good time. I question the manufacturers current advice on how to act upon warnings from the HUMS. It was wrong wrt G-REDW

You have to remember that HUMS is a trending tool. Not a crystal ball.
If you have a rapid mechanical failure there is almost no chance of seeing a trend.

Winnie 30th Apr 2016 14:12

In the picture, is that one of the transmission supports sticking up between blades?

(Edit)
Looking closer in the high rez images, the entire swash plate is visible in one, and indeed the transmission support is poking up in another....

RIP those involved. Have way too many friends in the Norwegian sector... Not ready to lose a single one...

stacey_s 30th Apr 2016 14:42

YEP agree all roots are there, must be old age getting the better of the ole eyes

212man 30th Apr 2016 14:42


Originally Posted by Max Contingency (Post 9361552)
Professional helicopter pilots buy a ticket in the Great Gearbox Lottery every time we fly.

We have all heard of rotor head separation before but I believe that this is the first time it has ever been captured on camera.

To see that rotor head, the size of a small house, rotating down without the rest of the aircraft sent a chill right down my spine.

Yes the passengers would have been terrified but only the pilots would have known the absolute finality of what was happening.

Made an entry in my diary, simply says: "Bugger" :(

I'm pretty sure that anybody free falling 2000 ft would have a pretty good idea what happens next!

Misformonkey 30th Apr 2016 14:50

The swashplate and the main driveshaft are visible. If the MRH is fitted over the MRGB main drive shaft like the Sea King then that drive shaft has detached from the MRGB rather than the MRH detaching from MRGB. I.e. the pressure plate or upper securing nut. It is strange that there is no bolt evident on that support rod.

The Sultan 30th Apr 2016 14:53

In the top photo in post #141 four blades look relatively intact. One blade (the one pointing "down" is only partially there (you can see more spar than afterbody and ever then the blade is short). A blade failure could easily rip the rotor, swashplate etc. out of the aircraft relatively intact. It is possible, if not probable, that this could have occurred in a fuselage strike, but that amount of blade loss would easily rip the "rotor et al" out of the aircraft. That kind of failure is generally proceeded with a "bang." As to HUMS there are multiple cases (Bristow 76 as an example) where there was almost no warning of a catastrophic blade failure.

The Sultan

lowfat 30th Apr 2016 15:12

I have to agree that the likelyhood is all persons were alive on the way down the report from LN-OPG which crashed in 1997 from a similar height and cruise speed after an MGB input shaft sheared. states everyone died in collision with the water...
It makes chilling reading and although a 332L1
the construction of main components is similar if not identical. I suggest some of the keyboard warriors read the report to answer some of the questions being raised here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliko...ice_Flight_451

PhilJ 30th Apr 2016 15:25

Which picture are you seeing the swashplate in? I think I'm looking at the droop stop ring in the pictures above.

How Nice 30th Apr 2016 15:39


Originally Posted by PhilJ (Post 9361704)
Which picture are you seeing the swashplate in? I think I'm looking at the droop stop ring in the pictures above.

You can see it on Tylermonkey's post (#141)
Zoom in and you see the swashplate.
You can just make out the Pitch link attachment lugs.

henra 30th Apr 2016 15:47


Originally Posted by 212man (Post 9361659)
I'm pretty sure that anybody free falling 2000 ft would have a pretty good idea what happens next!

Especially when those whirly things above are suddenly missing it doesn't take a rocket scientist to foresee what's gonna happen next...


Poor guys....

dipperm0 30th Apr 2016 15:48

From EC pilot training manual:

begin
MAIN ROTOR HUB integral with the rotor shaft supports the rotor components
ROTOR SHAFT driven by the MGB, supports the main rotor hub.
FLARED HOUSING : transmit the aerodynamic force from a rotating part
(rotor shaft) to a non-rotating part (fittings bolted on the fuselage) via 3 suspension bars.
The splined end of the rotor shaft engages in the MGB second stage planet gear cage
end

If the visible bar on the picture is a suspension bar, thus, this bar has gone loose from the fuselage while remaining attached on the flared housing that I presume is under the visible swashplate.

henra 30th Apr 2016 15:52


Originally Posted by The Sultan (Post 9361668)
In the top photo in post #141 four blades look relatively intact. One blade (the one pointing "down" is only partially there (you can see more spar than afterbody and ever then the blade is short). A blade failure could easily rip the rotor, swashplate etc. out of the aircraft relatively intact.


If you watch the video of the falling rotor you will see that all 5 blades are there and seem to have still their full length. The Rotor is drifting down in balance. So in this accident this probably wasn't the case.

Dairyground 30th Apr 2016 16:06


on the subject of HUMS i'm glad to see my company checking after every flight. it takes 15mins to check.
I assume that HUMS recordings are digital rather than analogue. Would it not be possible to analyse them in real time, in flight, and have any alert raised immediately, giving the opportunity for a diversion or even a return to origin?

PhilJ 30th Apr 2016 16:06


Originally Posted by How Nice (Post 9361715)
You can see it on Tylermonkey's post (#141)
Zoom in and you see the swashplate.
You can just make out the Pitch link attachment lugs.

I think what you can see is the droop stop ring and the lugs are the top of the scissor link. Compare it to the cad model on page 6 posted by RVDT.

The Sultan 30th Apr 2016 16:21

Henra

I was next to a helicopter running on the ground which let go an integral piece of a blade that took off the outboard section of the blade. The transmission was snapped in half and the rotor, mast, swashplate seperated climbed 100 feet and then came down not 30 feet from the ship. It happened so fast the pilot reported no vibration. When in flight the rotor was stable as it rotated around its new cg.

The Sultan

How Nice 30th Apr 2016 16:42


Originally Posted by PhilJ (Post 9361743)
I think what you can see is the droop stop ring and the lugs are the top of the scissor link. Compare it to the cad model on page 6 posted by RVDT.

I'm not so sure. The lugs on the droop stop ring are 180 degrees apart and much closer to the centre line of the main shaft.
In the pic in post 140 you can see 2 lugs which wouldn't be possible from that angle if it were the droop stop ring.
You can also see the outer race of bolts which look like part of the rotating swashplate.

REDHANDED 30th Apr 2016 16:43


Originally Posted by Mitchaa (Post 9361766)
Not a good idea DairyGround, the biggest annoyance of any HUMS systems is false alerts caused by poor instrumentation. You could potentially leave a decision to ditch a helicopter in the North Sea to the pilot having to make that call only to find out that an accelerometer had lost a little torque and created a jump in the data. Only proper analysis and cross comparisons on a ground station would give you this info. Real time monitoring like they do on fixed wing has been talked about for years now but always dismissed due to the potential pitfalls. The crew already have enough to concentrate on, never mind hundreds of HUMS parameters to add to that.

Data link back to engineering control? They could analyze in real time without disturbing the cockpit.

PhilJ 30th Apr 2016 16:53


Originally Posted by How Nice (Post 9361772)
I'm not so sure. The lugs on the droop stop ring are 180 degrees apart and much closer to the centre line of the main shaft.
In the pic in post 141 you can see 3 lugs which wouldn't be possible from that angle if it were the droop stop ring.
You can also see the outer race of bolts which look like part of the rotating swashplate.

See it now, I was looking at the wrong picture.

TylerMonkey 30th Apr 2016 17:02

I lightened up the image some more . . .

http://i86.servimg.com/u/f86/11/94/64/62/hub310.jpg

http://imbo.vgtv.no/users/bt_/images...]=1800x1012q50


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