Rotor snags safety rope during mountain rescue
 

https://youtu.be/pcNyJFsSnf0



Mickjoebill

First off----Old news....

can we say "heros".......NOT

They should not have been there in those conditions..... Hero mentality etc............ The pilot should have to answer some serious questions....

It is my understanding this was a dead body they were recovering not a rescue......

　This incident happened some time ago (9. sept. 2015) in Wasatch Front, Lone Peak, SW of Salt Lake City. After night search for missing hiker, he was located in the morning by rescuers, then 5 rescuers were brought in by Utah Department of public safety Squirrell N253HP to recover the body - victim was confirmed dead on scene.
This was an ill-prepared loading of body, that nearly cost several lives. Pilot was able to control heavily damaged and shaking rotorcraft (including broken Starflex head!).
This shows that rescuers and other people involved in certain helo ops, are far from just "passengers". Hovewer, this situation was fairly controllable and yes, I agree that this mission was not well thought of.
Some time ago, we came to a cliff to pick a fallen climber, hanging on his belay. As another pair of climbers was above him, with their ropes flailing around, there was no other choice but pausing the mission until these guys were reached over the phone and explained what to do - bad for injured climber, who had to wait for another 15-20 min.


Stay safe!


hoistop

Yes, I should have made it clearer, this video apparently only released early this month?

Mickjoebill

a 100 ft line and a net would have been appropriate.

Was the helicopter equipped and the pilot qualified for underslung loads?

PDR

Astonishing that this thing was still controllable and holding together with that kind of damage.
Really speaks in favour of the starflex design big time IMHO.
Although surprising that this damage could be the result of cutting the rope with the tip of the blade.