Why always assume some vanishingly unlikely technical reason?

How about way too fast, way too much ROD, way too much hurry?

I reckon he just misjudged it - look at the last second snatch at the cyclic - and didn't spot it until the last moments. Maybe he was a little downwind, but it still looks just like a big, simple human cock-up.

I agree 100%. Too fast, too steep, relatively high DA. Pilot error. Similar thread on JH.

AirWonJH?
Monk

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion however why always assume human error? Especially if there had been previous problems? I'm not saying it couldn't have been human error however it's by no means Just my opinion but it looks as though the rate of descend on the inital flare above the treeline is almost zero and I wouldn't have thought vortex ring would be an issue here. The descend from there onwards is quite steep and there doesn't seem to be any collective input until the aircraft touches the ground which would agree with a low NR indication.
Even if the pilot had misjudged the approach why not apply power and check the rate of descend or go around (assuming this is not vortex ring)? I haven't flown the aircraft in question and don't know the environmental conditions (weight/altitude/temp) but I would have though the aircraft would at least be able to arrest the rate of descend?
Also according to the accident report the pilot did not intend to land at the helipad?

Tommy1954: NTSB-DENO2LA010, REG.N119RX, DATE 11/09/2001
This is the one.

Agaricus bisporus: Why always assume some vanishingly unlikely technical reason?

And what exactly did you assume here? Did you even read the freaking thread or the accident report. IT WAS A MIS-RIGGED THROTTLE.

AirWon: I agree 100%. Too fast, too steep, relatively high DA. Pilot error. Similar thread on JH.

Glad you agree, since it doesn’t appear you read the accident report either. And to reference Justhelicopters – sorry but I’m just laughing out loud.

The first report (the fatal one) mentions tail boom seperation. The chopper in the vid still has the tail boom attached.

Correct report for the video N119RX
 

The ones that bother reading the report, can read:

Ogden Utah
 

The crash happened in Ogden Utah at Mckay-Dee Hospital. About 4500ft and about 5 miles from 9500-10000ft mountains, first flight to that hospital in that machine, with the DO in the copilot seat and a experenced pilot flying the A119. He just did not have much time in the A119 (delivery flight only). It was a MX issue not Vortex ring state, we are just seeing the end of what amounts to an autorotation. Makes for interesting viewing though. They all ended up with compression fractures of their backs. The Flight nurse is still in litigation. Fly Safe

Mr. Powell,
Thank you for your kind words. I, perhaps, am a little more cynical than you. A pilot statement in an accident report doesn't make it gospel. The video seems pretty clear. He's flaring the crap out of it just after you see it come around the corner of the building. With the settling and the rate of decent and the fact that the Koala sits so tail low......well, the rest is history.
Regarding my reference to JH, I was simply stating that a similar debate was happening on another forum. Get over yourself.

Hey there Airwon:
>A pilot statement in an accident report doesn't make it gospel.
Absolutely. Of course the subsequent accident investigation revealed that the aircraft throttle was mis-aligned, i.e. not operating correctly. Emperical evidence you can measure. No opinion/comment necessary.
Here's the link to the NTSB probable cause:
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/GenPDF.asp?...02LA010&rpt=fi
Here's the link to the factual report:
http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/GenPDF.asp?...02LA010&rpt=fa
The guys at the factory didn't even know why it was doing what it was doing.
Pilot error.....right.

AirWon,

Why don't read the FACTUAL report about what happened instead of posting statements like:

Arrogant and Ignorant, bad combination!!:ugh:

Enough
 

OK thats enough, there by the grace of God .. and all that.

Found this silly bit on youtube jumping from a R44. Now that is asking for trouble.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_X85...eature=related

So much anger!! Where the hell did that come from....?
"Arrogant and ignorant"!! Now steady on there, Lofty. I suggest you take that kind of talk to the site that your friend, Mr. Powell holds so much contempt for.
I suppose I should be flattered that my opinion generates so much passion. It helps this slow Sunday afternoon pass a little quicker.
Really though, boys, calm down.