Grief for a Gazelle


AEROSPATIALE SA341G GAZELLE PRIVATE LANDING FIELD, ENFIELD 14 JULY 2018


Low flying risks


CESSNA 152 NEAR CRUMLIN, COUNTY ANTRIM 19 APRIL 2018


The pilot had hired the Cessna for a flight with a photographer specialising in aerial photography, but while flying at low level there was a critical reduction in speed and loss of control killing both on board. The pilot had taken off from Newtownards at approximately 1047hr and flown to the north-west. A couple of minutes later, the pilot advised Belfast City ATC they would be operating a photographic flight near Nutts Corner (a disused airfield near Belfast International Airport). As the aircraft approached Nutts Corner, the


pilot was instructed to hold as an aircraft was on approach to Belfast International. After several minutes at approximately 650ft agl the pilot reported visual with the other aircraft and was cleared to proceed. The Cessna was then flown in clockwise,


circular and oval shaped turns at bank angles up to 30° between approximately 350ft and 600ft above the ground at an estimated 60kt. The passenger, who had flown regularly with the pilot around 15 times a year for the last 14 years, was in the right seat, so clockwise turns would have provided a better view of properties below.


Radar showed that during the next 90 seconds the aircraft maintained about 900ft amsl (approximately 400ft above ground), while making turns to the right. The turn rate then increased to an estimated bank angle of about 45°, before reducing to about 20°. Radar data indicates that the aircraft continued with a gradual turn to the right. The final radar point recorded the aircraft about 260ft (+/-50ft) above ground.


Witnesses said the Cessna was apparently flying normally before suddenly ‘nose-diving’. Two who were close to the accident site said they heard the engine “spluttering” as the aircraft passed low overhead, however no evidence was found of any engine problems. As the aircraft was engaged in aerial


photography the flight came under Specialised Operations which require a risk assessment, such as those associated with low level flying, but there was no evidence of the risk assessment having been carried out or for the checklist associated with the mitigations for that activity being in place. The AAIB report noted that ‘There is an


increased level of risk associated with flying close to the stalling speed without sufficient height to recover from a stall, particularly when focused on a task such as taking aerial photographs’.


THE TROUBLE WITH WIRES


The balloon was making an evening flight from Bath with 12 passengers when variable winds made the planned landing site unachievable so, after finding several landing areas were unsuitable, the pilot chose a couple of grass fields on a downhill slope. He was aware of sunset approaching and a large ‘no landing’ area beyond the fields, both of which confirmed his decision to land. As there were horses


36 CLUED UP SUMMER 2019


in the field beyond the landing site, the pilot made a low approach using the quiet burner to avoid disturbance. The approach was between two medium sized trees and the pilot was aware of electrical cables to the right and left, but the approach appeared clear. Passing approximately three metres


above ground he saw electrical wires and a pole some 30 metres ahead and, realising it wasn’t possible to avoid them,


After carrying out his daily inspection and pre-flight checks, the pilot lifted off into a 5 to 10ft hover to reposition the Gazelle from one part of his garden to another. All checks were normal and he moved


forward, initiating a right turn. During the turn he felt the engine lose power and tried to return to the take-off site but came down about 20 metres short. The ground was uneven with some large wooden pallets and other building materials. The pilot thought the Gazelle probably struck one of the pallets and then rolled onto its side with the rotor blades striking the ground. He escaped as a post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft. Although it was a hot, calm day the Gazelle was 276kg below its maximum take-off weight so should have had sufficient performance for the manoeuvre. While the cause of the power loss could not be fully established due to the fire, it’s possible that the airpath to the centrifugal compressor had accumulated deposits during operation which led to a lower compression rate and a higher temperature operation. This, combined with the hot outside air temperature, could have led to a T4 exceedance, turbine damage and a consequential loss of power, leading to the accident. It’s also possible that the T4 exceedance


occurred during the post-impact fire and that some deposits were ingested while the engine continued to run on the ground with the helicopter on its side.


CAMERON Z-350 HOT AIR BALLOON NEAR WICK, BATH 15 SEPTEMBER 2018


he pulled hard on the rapid deflation line. He briefed the passengers that a wire strike was imminent, that there may be a bang and to remain seated. When the basket was approximately one metre from the ground the envelope contacted the wires and there was a loud bang. The basket turned and came to rest against a horse jump close to the pole. The commander assessed it was safe to exit and there were no injuries.


PHOTOS BY KEITH WILSON/SFB PHOTOGRAPHIC - File images for illustrative purposes only


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