A pilot without recent underwater escape training was trapped inside an EC135 that crashed into the water during a marine pilot transfer operation, the ATSB says.
A newly hired pilot was receiving instruction in nighttime marine pilot transfer (MPT) operations when, during the second approach to land on a bulk carrier off the coast of Australia, the Airbus Helicopters EC135 descended into the water, rolled over, floated briefly and then sank. The instructor exited the flooded cabin, but the new pilot was unable to escape; his body was later found in the submerged wreckage.
Accident Investigation, Helicopter Safety, Maintenance Matters, News
The NTSB cited a mechanic’s likely failure to correctly install attaching hardware as the probable cause of the fatal crash of an S-61N during a training flight.
Accident Investigation, Helicopter Safety, News
A bearing failure in the tail rotor of an AW169 caused a loss of yaw control that led to the fatal crash, the AAIB says.
Accident Investigation, Helicopter Safety, News, Safety Tools
The fatal R-22 crash near an Australian swamp prompted the ATSB to call on single-pilot operators to keep a PLB close by.
