Comments on: Navy Helicopter Suffers ‘Training Mishap’ In Pace

By: david lamb

david lamb — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 02:46:29 +0000

The old big orangeSikorskys used to set down in our Cottage Hill fields due to mechanical/engine issues. One sat down on the Cantonment golf course and was towed back to base. Another crashed in the Escambia River near horshoe bend.
Aggie Army WO Fred Sheffield, !st Cav, and crew members died in a helico[pter crash / rolllover in Vietnam.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 18:30:09 +0000

This incident is what is called a dynamic torque rollover. It is caused by a landing that is a certain amount of degrees past a normal level landing position. It can be the result of student error, a landing attempt where the ground may have a hidden soft spot, or any other reason that keeps the aircraft from landing in a somewhat level attitude. The main rotor blades turn in a counter clockwise direction, so due to the tremendous amount of torque, it will always roll over on its right side when it occurs, which is not a common happening. The (IP) instructor pilot usually is in the front left seat, & a student in the right. There is sometimes 1 or 2 student observers in the back seat, who will take turns to the front seat. These rollovers rarely cause injury to the crew, & due to the professionalism involved, these aircraft have an exceptional & impressive safety record.

By: Not you

Not you — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 15:02:14 +0000

Instructor and SNA onboard were the flight crew.

By: Oversight

Oversight — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 14:23:08 +0000

Puddin…

It’s a “training” helicopter and it does not have a “flight crew.” Usually an instructor pilot and up to three students – one in the opposite front seat by the instructor pilot and two who’ll rotate out from the back.

By: Puddin

Puddin — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 03:25:24 +0000

So glad they are ok. Couple questions (no blame intended or implied) Those are trainig helos, right? So that could be the problem. A student oops. Second, where was the flight crew? Or maybe, since they are trainers, they dont have the normal crew onboard. No matter what, I sure am glad they are ok.