Anyone knew the guys... ????

http://fox13now.com/2014/12/02/breaking ... salt-lake/


Sad deal for sure...

Man that thing fell apart inflight, wow... Sad indeed.

We use the R44 a lot around here and it seems like a pretty capable reliable machine. In fact they are doing a lot of work previously done by Jetranger class turbines at a lower cost. Helicopters in general are not forgiving of improper procedures and handling, and in case of any malfunction they require immediate and proper intervention. Most issues with the Robinson's are related to training and experience. It will be interesting to see the outcome of the NTSB investigation.

Here's another one in Dar from a few days ago: http://www.aviationtz.com/2014/11/tanapa-helicopter-crashes-in-dar-es.html

My office is about 2 miles from the accident area. Heard about it right after it happened. Word on the street is pilot error. Cut the tail off with the rotor. Sad deal for sure.

Teetering rotor systems are serious business. Thoughts and prayers to the families.

UH1's went down alot in SE Asia... before anybody mentioned "don't go 0 G" with that rotor....
It is plainly marked on cyclic in the Robinson's. It becomes "unattached" to the rest of the airframe... when unloaded. Where it goes at that point is ugly...
Shoving the cyclic forward was first instinct when we saw bad stuff in front of a Huey... but bad move.
That's why a fixed wing pilot might not make the best stick in a helo. That and training the feet to keep still in the turns.
Sorry for those left behind in Utah.... not a Thanksgiving incident. RIP