Flight Safety Foundation Helicopter Safety 1998

These publications are in Acrobat^® Portable Document Format (PDF) and require a copy of Adobe Reader^®. If you do not have a copy of Adobe Reader, you can download and install a free copy from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2_allversions.html.

November–December 1998

Helmets with Visors Protect Helicopter Crews, Reduce Injuries 6 pages. [PDF 200K]

Studies of accidents and equipment show that helmets with visors have played a significant role in protecting military helicopter pilots and other crewmembers from serious facial injuries. One study said that visors prevented injury or reduced the severity of injury in 25 percent of 459 U.S. Army accidents in which visor use was documented. The study said that more civilian helicopter operators should be informed about current technology in helmets and visors, and the availability of this safety equipment.

September–October 1998

Sikorsky S-76 Accident Rates Show Overall Decrease 6 pages. [PDF 84K]

Accident statistics for 1994 through 1997 show continued improvement in the helicopter’s overall safety record, but also show an increase in accidents related to pilot error and controlled flight into terrain.

July–August 1998

Unlatched Transmission Cowl Door Separates in Flight, Strikes and Disables Tail Rotor and Gearbox 4 pages. [PDF 74K]

Helicopter damaged in hard emergency landing and one occupant suffered serious injuries. Investigation disclosed two door latches were missing and one was improperly secured.

May–June 1998

Helicopter Loses Power After Exhausting Fuel Supply During External-load Operation 4 pages. [PDF 75K]

U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said pressure to meet a work schedule was a factor in the pilot’s failure to plan and monitor the helicopter’s fuel load.

March–April 1998

Unapproved Modification of Cyclic Trim Switch Cited in Offshore Landing Accident 4 pages. [PDF 52K]

Pilot lost control of helicopter while approaching to land on a ship after experiencing hard-over lateral-trim runaway during fish-spotting operation.

January–February 1998

Helicopter Downed in North Sea after Lightning Strike Exceeds Lightning-protection System Capabilities 8 pages. [PDF 225K]

A tail-rotor imbalance was caused by lightning damage to one of the carbon-composite tail-rotor blades. The resulting vibrations induced a dynamic response in the tailboom until the tail rotor and the tail-rotor gearbox separated from the aircraft.