Fatal Heli accident caught on tape Carlsbad CA Nov 18/15

[bizjets101]

Click Here Aviation Safety Network link - normally don't post here unless Canadian content - just this one just shocked me ... 2nd video shows impact ...

The Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil experienced an apparent ground resonance event or loss of tail rotor authority and rotated upright on the ground to complete destruction at McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ), Carlsbad, California. The helicopter sustained substantial damage due to the event and subsequent fire. The two occupants onboard the aircraft received fatal injuries.

RIP - sad ...

[PilotDAR]

This is not this first time for an accident like this with a French helicopter. For my limited experience flying the AS 350/355, I have noticed that you do not have the control to shut the engine down while your hand is on the collective (you have to move to a separate fuel cutoff/condition lever). I can imagine that after the bad thing happened, and pilot recognized the need to remove the torque, the helicopter was already flailing around, and the control could not be reached. I like being able to roll off the power and shut down with my hand on the collective, 'cause that's where it was when the bad event started.

[pelmet]

The helicopter spins for several minutes before exploding. I saw this once before in Brazil I think. Could the fire truck cautiously back in toward the helicopter so that the cab is well clear of the blades and then the rotating will stop when the fuselage hits the back of the firetruck.

Risky, but if I were the helo pilot, I would be desperately hoping for this.

[Heliian]

I have noticed that you do not have the control to shut the engine down while your hand is on the collective

B3's have a twistgrip on the collective but this was not an experienced pilot, further reducing the chances of finding a shutoff during the accident sequence. I'm guessing that without helmets, both occupants would be unconscious immediately after the initial crash and would have no chance during the rotations.

[phillyfan]

Pelmet, If the firetruck did that and the occupants die. Can you imagine the legal ramifications?

[Redneck_pilot86]

I haven't been able to watch the video due to low bandwidth, but isn't the response to ground resonance to get back in the air?

[Oxi]

I also believe the fire trucks engine is at the back.

[pelmet]

Pelmet, If the firetruck did that and the occupants die. Can you imagine the legal ramifications?

You are right of course. But, rescuers have risked all to save a life. I am not saying that I would have done this but, having seen this kind of helicopter situation before on video before, I know the end result. I wonder if it is a feasible option. for a firetruck.

[Heliian]

I haven't been able to watch the video due to low bandwidth, but isn't the response to ground resonance to get back in the air?

It wasn't resonance. Pilot misjudged landing on dolly and then tipped onto tail, pilot tried to pitch it forward twice and lost control.

This video shows the landing sequece :http://www.kusi.com/clip/12017462/kusi- ... pter-crash

[C-FABH]

Pelmet, If the firetruck did that and the occupants die. Can you imagine the legal ramifications?

You are right of course. But, rescuers have risked all to save a life. I am not saying that I would have done this but, having seen this kind of helicopter situation before on video before, I know the end result. I wonder if it is a feasible option. for a firetruck.

I figure that rule 1 of emergency response is "Don't Become a Victim". What's the worse that could happen if you attempt an untrained, unrehearsed, impromptu procedure like that?

[PilotDAR]

I'm a firefighter and a helicopter pilot. It would not occur to me to drive a firetruck into a helicopter - but to each their own. Were I to have had a fire truck at that event, I expect that I would have deluged the stricken helicopter with lots of water and foam, in the hope of flaming out the engine. If nothing else, it would suppress fire. That would be the best unrehearsed plan I could come up with...

[boeingboy]

........so sad.

[pelmet]

The firefighters caused this one to happen. You can see the lead-up starting at 2:00 as the firetruck gets too close to the chopper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejsUDKRTIGg

Difficult to get foam in the intake of a chopper spinning around. If I am ever in this situation, you have my approval risk your life and back up toward the fuselage to stop it with the chopper spinning as it will otherwise be fatal. I understand if you choose not to, but the end result will be fatal if nothing is done.