16-Nov-2012
Syrian rebels claim to have shot down a Mi-17 helicopter... Read more
15-Nov-2012
Helicopter on low level patrol, hit wires and crashed. Fatalities were pilot Mackenzie Bleth from Haverfield Aviation and Dale Crout – an employee of New York State Electric and Gas. Post crash fire, and we note from this story that the tail was some distance from the helicopter and not affected by the fire.... Read more
15-Nov-2012Source: ATSB
As a result of the ATSB investigation and in order to reduce the level of risk associated with emergency training, a helicopter operator is investigating amendments to their company operations manual. One amendment being investigated by the operator is the requirement for at least 10 kts of wind in the runway direction for the performance... Read more
15-Nov-2012
Emergency landing on sports field. No damage. Out by road to maintenance facility... Read more
15-Nov-2012
Force landing after striking power lines. Wire strike system successfully cut cables and helicopter landed safely. This report suggests that the helicopter was flying at 80-100 ft altitude, and thus the crew “were acting outside the scope of their employment and in violation of Federal Aviation Regulations, company operational specifications and policies.”... Read more
14-Nov-2012Source: HAI
On Sat., Nov. 10, HAI sponsored a safety seminar at Helicopters Inc.’s FBO at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in St. Louis, Mo. The FAA Safety Team brought together a group of more than 70 helicopter operators and pilots, and provided speakers on a variety of helicopter safety subjects. Topics covered included helicopter accident trends,... Read more
14-Nov-2012
Struck wires in poor visibility and crashed after rescuing five from a minibus road crash. A further five crew on board were killed. Extensive photo cover in news agency photo albums here , here and here... Read more
14-Nov-2012
Nine people were killed and two seriously injured in a military helicopter crash in the Guelmim area of southwest Morocco late on Wednesday. Eight of the passengers were pronounced dead on the spot and another succumbed to injuries in hospital. One source names operator as Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: HAI
At HELI-EXPO 2013 in Las Vegas, HAI and the HAI Safety Committee will debut the Rotor Safety Challenge — a convenient and economical way to learn industry best practices and safety tools and techniques you can apply back on the job. Free to all HELI-EXPO® attendees and conveniently scheduled on show days, the Rotor Safety Challenge... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: ATSB
The ATSB’s investigation into a wirestrike accident highlights the importance of a proper reconnaissance when flying in a wire environment and remaining focused only on operational tasks. On 12 June 2012, a Robinson Helicopter Company R44 Raven 1 helicopter departed Moorabbin Airport, Victoria with one person on board to conduct a private flight to a... Read more
13-Nov-2012Source: OPB
An Oregon helicopter pilot who rescued a firefighter from the Pole Creek Fire this summer says he feared for his job after the incident. But a new Forest Service review commends both men for their quick thinking and decisive actions. (see full story) File photo... Read more
11-Nov-2012
Out of control fixed wing veered off runway and struck parked/unattended helicopter... Read more
10-Nov-2012
Controlled flight into terrain in poor visibility. All 17 aboard killed... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: HAI
HAI President Matt Zuccaro and 19 other aviation industry leaders have sent a letter to Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on behalf of their associations, urging the FAA to continue to press forward with the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). “… As a goal, the FAA should ensure that... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: HAI
Fly in or drive to this FREE workshop for all helicopter pilots, operators, students, and instructors in the Midwest region! Join HAI’s safety director, the FAA Safety Team, a cast of industry experts and your peers in the goal to reach the highest level of safety! Topics will cover helicopter accident trends, human factors, wire... Read more
9-Nov-2012
The pilots, flight nurses and paramedics who work at Tennessee’s first Air Evac station celebrated a major milestone — more than 5,000 missions flown safely. (see full story)... Read more
9-Nov-2012Source: FAA
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), airlines and aviation labor unions today announced a partnership with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to share summarized safety information that could help prevent accidents. The information, shared through an initiative called the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) Executive Board, will help the NTSB... Read more
8-Nov-2012Source: AAIB
The monthly bulletin from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been released. This month’s issue covers the accident(s) of:- Special Bulletin S4/2012: Sikorsky S-76C++, G-WIWI, East Sussex, 3 May 2012 Bell 206L-3 Longranger III (G-LVDC), forced landing near Silverstone, Northants, 8 July 2012... Read more
8-Nov-2012
Experienced pilot killed in “perfect weather conditions” after reportedly “falling out of the sky”. Police stated that the pilot was Julian Dean Kramer (52), also known as Julianne Kramer – chief flying instructor at Wakatipu Aero Club. Helicopter may be ZK-HCG (1499)... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: Eurocopter
On October 22, 2012, during a flight to an offshore platform, a controlled ditching was performed with an EC225 helicopter. No one on board was injured and everyone was brought back to land safely. The helicopter remained afloat thanks to its emergency floatation gear and was recovered by a ship. An emergency lubrication warning light... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: Irish Independent
A child who suffered nervous shock when a helicopter crashed and exploded in a car park has been awarded €10,000 damages (see full story)... Read more
7-Nov-2012Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, recently held its 5th Oil & Gas Seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event, attended by over 120 delegates from more than 15 countries, focused on oil and gas industry helicopter operations, support and training developments in Asia and Australasia where the AW139 helicopter is the best selling twin engine model... Read more
7-Nov-2012
Emergency landing in field. No damage... Read more
7-Nov-2012
Helicopter suffered engine failure and made a controlled emergency landing on Royal Danish Navy ship Iver Huitfeldt – pennant number F361. Both engines have been replaced... Read more
6-Nov-2012Source: Helibras
[electronic translation] Helibras is one of the sponsors of the 8th International Workshop on the Safety of Flight ABRAPHE – Brazilian Association of Helicopter Pilots, held on 6, 7 and 8 November in São Paulo. Besides supporting the event, Helibras also divide knowledge through lecture “Methods to improve the ability of helicopter pilots”, taught by... Read more
6-Nov-2012
Helicopter crashed during agricultural work. Pilot reported as Hernán Cabrera, age 47. Distant photo shows helicopter landed upright in the crop, although tail does not look quite right! Chilean sources are quoting the accident as a UH-1H, but we do not agree – see the two stabilizer end-plates, definitely a LongRanger!... Read more
6-Nov-2012
A water-bombing helicopter has mistakenly sprayed partially treated sewage onto firefighters battling a blaze on the NSW mid-north coast.... Read more
5-Nov-2012
“Hall Medevac 1” made emergency landing after bird strike while en route to pick up patient... Read more
4-Nov-2012
A third “fumes in the cockpit” situation, repeating incidents from May and June... Read more
3-Nov-2012
Police helicopter crashed on night search operation, killing both officers on board – later named as Richard J. Halford and Shawn A. Smiley. Later report stated it hit a powerline pole and part of the cable was wrapped around the skids. Post crash fire.... Read more
3-Nov-2012
Emergency landing after bird strike – EMS unit “Pafford AirOne” with patient on board. We believe they operate either/both of LongRanger 4 N1813 (52335) and LongRanger 3 N3180L (51055)... Read more
3-Nov-2012
Loss of control in the hover during post-maintenance test flight, and hit hangar. 3 injured, aircraft total loss.... Read more
2-Nov-2012
Training accident, ending up on its port side... Read more
1-Nov-2012Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that Israel complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), based on the results of an October FAA review of Israel’s civil aviation authority. Israel is now upgraded to Category 1 from the Category 2 safety rating the country... Read more
1-Nov-2012
Failed to gain height, and control very erratic on take-off from sports field. Put down safely, but not before damaging buildings with its downwash. Government minister on board... Read more
1-Nov-2012
Two injured in light helicopter accident... Read more
31-Oct-2012
During mustering, the helicopter collided with water and submerged.... Read more
31-Oct-2012
During take off phase, near miss with landing Japan Air Commuter Dash-8 JA849C... Read more
31-Oct-2012
Loss of control during takeoff after refuelling and ended up on its starboard side. Badly damaged... Read more
31-Oct-2012
Heavy landing and ended up colliding with firefighting equipment that was in the area. The helicopter sustained serious damage to its tail rotor, to the right hand side baggage compartment, and to both landing skids.... Read more
30-Oct-2012Source: AAG
Associated Aircraft Group (AAG®), the Northeast’s largest premier executive Sikorsky S-76® helicopter service, is proud to announce that it has earned IS-BAO (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations) Stage 1 Certification, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to safety and its Safety Management System (SMS). AAG is a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United... Read more
29-Oct-2012
Blade delamination caused unusual vibration levels which prompted crew to investigate and then change aircraft before they took off... Read more
27-Oct-2012
Pilot put R22 Mariner down into Lake Havasu after experiencingd unspecified mechanical problems. Mohave County Sheriff’s reported the pilot as Michael Christiansen, and his passenger as Michael Rabo. It is unclear from press reports how this helicopter sank, given it has fixed floats... Read more
26-Oct-2012
Substantially damaged during tree harvesting operation... Read more
25-Oct-2012
Helicopter grounded at Rockwell Collins facility after reported wiring issue that caused hydraulic problems.... Read more
25-Oct-2012
Pilot named as Múcio Pereira Júnior, 31. Passengers were Rafael Cavalcanti and Alan Magalhães Souza, both 29. Level of damage not apparent from reports, which confirm it crashed in a forested area... Read more
25-Oct-2012
Hard landing on training flight. Badly damaged... Read more
24-Oct-2012Source: American Eurocopter
American Eurocopter is proud to announce that MedFlight of Ohio has won the 2012 Vision Zero Aviation Safety Award, topping the list of a record 25 nominees. MedFlight representatives were presented with the award and a $10,000 check by Anthony DiNota, American Eurocopter Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support, during the AMTC Community... Read more
24-Oct-2012
Training accident, lost control during ground taxi in gusty conditions up to 22 knots of wind. Helicopter landed and turned over onto its starboard side. Student pilot Maycon Nogaroli, 35, was not injured. Instructor Samir Nagib Murr, 32, was hospitalized with head injuries.... Read more
22-Oct-2012
CHC EC225 has ditched 32 miles south of Shetland, off Fair Isle. All 19 POB reported safe and being taken to Kirkwall on Orkney... Read more
22-Oct-2012
Substantially damaged in landing accident, reports FAA. Other reports suggest it was taking off, started spinning left and was put down hurriedly, wheels collapsed and it ended up on its belly between parking spot rows A and B... Read more
21-Oct-2012
On a sightseeing tour flight, male passenger suddenly unfastened his seatbelt, opened the door and jumped from the aircraft – falling 500 feet to his death... Read more
21-Oct-2012
LA County Sheriff made emergency landing on highway after a bird strike at night... Read more
20-Oct-2012Source: Baldwin Aviation
Building on its nearly decade-long tradition of assisting flight operations in developing specific and targeted SMS programs, Baldwin Aviation, Inc. (BAI) has recently launched SAVVY©, which utilizes next generation technologies to meet safety and compliance requirements. SAVVY ensures that the solutions will be the most tailored, yet compliant available. “SAVVY represents a significant upgrade in... Read more
19-Oct-2012
Blades struck striker plate on landing... Read more
19-Oct-2012
Rotor blades suffered minor damage when helicopter was on the ground... Read more
18-Oct-2012
Loud bang heard with an associated yaw to the right and loss of power. An autorotative landing was carried out into a nearby stream. The pilot and 1 passenger were uninjured. CADAORS ref 2012P1768... Read more
18-Oct-2012
Two people uninjured when helicopter crashed at Innisfail Airport, 120 miles N of Calgary. Helicopter was approx 6m altitude on take off. CADAORS ref 2012C4679... Read more
17-Oct-2012
Crashed 500m from an early morning take off, killing the sole occupant pilot – named as Doug Brigham... Read more
17-Oct-2012
Helicopter shot down by missile. Casualties unknown... Read more
16-Oct-2012
Crashed and burned on field. Pilot fatally injured... Read more
16-Oct-2012
Chain sling contacted tail rotor drive cover, horizontal stabiliser and both tail rotor blades during lifting operations... Read more
15-Oct-2012Source: Wenatchee World
North Cascades Heli-Skiing’s operating permit is in a probationary status after owners of the Mazama-based company admitted to cutting down or topping a few dozen high elevation trees on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest last winter to make helicopter landing safer (see full story)... Read more
15-Oct-2012
Crashed on take off from INS Hansa (nr Dabolim) after refuelling en route Mumbai to Bangalore. Post crash fire. Another report says landing accident, not take-off... Read more
15-Oct-2012
Crashed on take off from Anad air base. Pilot died from his injuries a short time after... Read more
14-Oct-2012
Emergency landing after developing mechanical problems in flight. Some passengers with minor injuries... Read more
13-Oct-2012
Heavy landing in cemetery. Tail boom sliced off by main blades. Starboard skid collapsed. Sgt. Gerald Wiltshire was pilot and Officer Tony Valdes serving as an observer ... Read more
13-Oct-2012
Skids of N369SN contacted blades of N546 at Brandywine Airport, West Chester during the Rotorfest event... Read more
13-Oct-2012
Helicopter made emergency landing on the Coquihalla Highway... Read more
13-Oct-2012
Skids of N369SN contacted blades of N546 at Brandywine Airport, West Chester during the Rotorfest event... Read more
12-Oct-2012
En route Newtown, NJ to Bridgeport, CT when it made an emergency landing on a farm and rolled over. Reported fuel issues... Read more
