Word THE
ON Street
An Open Letter to the U.S. Helicopter Community
Our U.S. helicopter community just went through the worst short- term surge in fatal accidents we’ve experienced within the past six years. With four fatal accidents within a 10-day span, the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team feels that there is a benefit to informing our broader community about this statistic. We also feel that it is appropriate timing for some straightforward reminders that can contribute to safe flying.
We would appreciate your help in communicating this important message to our community.
Dear helicopter pilots, mechanics, operators, instructors, etc.:
The U.S. helicopter industry just endured the worst 10-day stretch of fatal accidents observed since late 2012. Within the 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, four fatal helicopter accidents and four fatalities occurred from June 29 to July 8, 2018, a pace of nearly one fatal accident every other day. Investigations take time, so the underlying cause of each case will not be known for some time. However, there is one thing we know with certainty: None of the individuals involved in these tragic events woke up that morning thinking this would be their last helicopter flight. The series of fatal helicopter accidents is a reminder to our community: There is sometimes a fine line between a flight that ends uneventfully and one that ends disastrously.
2018
June 29, 2018 June 30, 2018 July 6, 2018 July 8, 2018
2012
Nov. 25, 2012 Nov. 27, 2012 Nov. 30, 2012 Dec. 1, 2012 Dec. 10, 2012
Corona, Calif. Childress, Texas Apollo Beach, Fla. Walkerville, Michigan Rochelle, Illinois
Personal/Private Utilities/Construction Personal/Private Personal/Private Air Ambulance
Robinson R-44 MDHI 369D Robinson R-22 Bell/Scott’s 47G-2 Airbus BK117A-3
1 fatality 1 fatality 1 fatality 1 fatality 3 fatalities
Sterling City, Texas San Juan, Puerto Rico Morristown, Indiana Williamsburg, Virginia
Aerial Observation Personal/Private Aerial Observation Personal/Private
Robinson R-22 Bell 206B Bell/Scott’s 47G-2 Robinson R-44
1 fatality 1 fatality 1 fatality 1 fatality
We are still early in the summer with plenty of good flying weather in front of us. In the wake of this recent surge in fatal accidents, let us take some time to think through how we can make sure the rest of the summer is spent with enjoyment rather than grief.
1. Review your basic procedures. The simple, mundane practices are often what keep us safe.
2. Think through what actions you would take for various aircraft emergencies.
3. Consider what effect summer temperatures will have on the performance and limitations of your aircraft.
4. Contemplate what factors may be subtly building up your cumulative fatigue. Days in the summer are long, often resulting in more activity and less sleep.
5. Practice real-time risk management, even with small decisions. Make a habit of mentally asking yourself, “What could go wrong with what I’m doing right now? What could I do to make sure the worst-case scenario doesn’t kill me?”
As a community, let’s all do our part to ensure the 10-day surge in fatal helicopter accidents is an anomaly and does not stretch into a long-term trend. Fly safe today.
82
July/Aug 2018
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90
