G-MATH Booker Accident 5th May 2017
 

Link on BBC News site...

Booker helicopter crash: Three men injured - BBC News

G-MATH AS-350B Incident at Booker
 

AS350 down - Booker/Wycombe 5 May 2017
 

BBC reporting as follows:

Booker helicopter crash: Three men injured - BBC News

Three men have been taken to hospital - one with "life-threatening" injuries - after a helicopter crashed in Buckinghamshire.
Police and fire crews were called to the Wycombe Air Park in Clay Lane, Booker, just after 09:40 BST.
South Central Ambulance Service said the aircraft, which had three men on board, ended up on its side.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is sending a team to the scene of the crash to investigate.
An ambulance service spokesman said one man was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
A second man suffered serious leg, chest, abdominal, head and shoulder injuries and a third patient had less serious back injuries.
Three ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance were called to the scene.

According to Airport-Data.com, it belongs to Airbus Helicopters UK, and was built in 2016.
Aircraft Data G-MATH, 2016 Airbus Helicopters AS-350B-3 Ecureuil C/N 8274

From Flight Global:
Airbus Helicopters H125 (AS350B3e) G-MATH (msn 8274 built 2016) operated by Confidentia Aviation Limited has been damaged after crashing while manoeuvring at Wycombe Air Park, UK 05 May 2016. Of the three persons on board one has been seriously injured.

G-INFO suggests otherwise....

I don't think G-MATH is/was Wycombe-based. Is it known whether this was an inflight diversion with some sort of technical issue, or if it was there for training with one of the Wycombe-based companies?

Very best wishes and sympathy to all involved, and here's hoping that all make a full and speedy recovery.

h14

Swedish media is reporting of two Swedish pilots that crashed with a helo at Wycombe park on friday during a type rating sortie. Seems to be the this accident, and from media reports hte conclusion that they work for the company "Arlanda Helicopter" can be made.

No fuel fire reported. Was it fitted with a fuel bladder?

Mickjoebill

I wonder. Harking back to the rash of hydraulic problems that occurred in Canada some years back (and other places) - has anybody flying the B3e experienced anything at all?

I believe this was one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCof0dRtFYU



Phil

Don't know of an actual HYD-failure in the B3e, however I can think of 3 losses due to flight-training/check rides due to incorrect handling from simulated HYD failures within the last few years in B3's.

As far as I know B3 is dual hydraulic system, I know the ones I've flown are. The couple the company I work for had were for sure. Made Hyd failure training pretty redundant. When I did my B3 training a few years back we didn't even do Hyd. Failure training. Mind you we have a fleet of B2 and BA and very much emphasis is put on this failure. Fact I did my B2 re currency a couple evenings ago, and knew for sure the horn was going to go off en route from base to the airport. Yep I guessed right. We do lots of training to confined areas, no run on landings for hydraulics off. Run on landings at an airport, not an option some of the places we work.....:ok:

Newfie,

As standard, nope. It is an option.

Nubian,
Thanks mate, didn't realize that. Everyday a school day......:ok:

Some as350 b3's only have single hidraulics. I've flown one and trained in one like this, you must practice hdy's off and if the correct technique is used the helicopter can be controlled safely. I was also trained to land (if necessary) in confined areas with the 350 b3 with hdy's off.

https://www.verticalmag.com/features...tomy-accident/

FYI. This was a very detailed article regarding hydraulic issues identified with the H125 following an NTSB investigation after a 2015 crash.

Ludeog, thanks for posting this!
It's a great article from vertical!

The pilot was very aware of how to do Hyd out training !

" I was also trained to land (if necessary) in confined areas with the 350 b3 with hdy's off."

I would be very careful about doing that - it could invalidate your insurance, depending on how tight the area concerned is - this is what the flight manual says (at least the one I have here):

"Make a flat approach over a clear landing area and land with slight forward speed."

This came up on my TRE check ride for the 206 - the examiner said that the CAA would expect a professional pilot to hover the machine and land it on a normal spot. I had to point out that the flight manual didn't allow that. As far as I am aware, most flight manuals stipulate a run on landing with hydraulics out.

Phil

Phil nobody knows at the moment what caused the crash.
The aircraft is fitted with a camera which should provide some evidence
We test all the time with simulated hydraulic failure approaches but if someone puts in a large input close to the ground it is almost irrecoverable due to the fact that if you put the hydraulics back on they kick violently making the situation worse.
Yes in theory one could fly into a confined area but you are really asking for trouble if it all goes pear shaped
I would personally advice extreme caution to all instructors and examiners whilst simulating hydraulic failure practice and at all times adhering to the OEB and OSD reports
Leon