Helicopter Flips When Passenger Jolts Controls

[treetopflyer]

Helicopter flips when passenger jolts controls

 

New Zealand Herald

 

25.08.05

 

Two men walked away uninjured this morning when a helicopter crashed in Hawke's Bay.

 

After a flight over Ben Lomond Station near State Highway 50, pilot Bernie Symonds is believed to have landed at Maraekakaho, 28km west of Hastings, and stepped out of his Sikorsky Helicopter, leaving the engine running.

 

In the process of getting out, his passenger is said to have lifted the dual controls installed for training purposes, prompting the machine to lift off the ground, throwing the passenger clear before toppling over. :shock:

 

Mr Symonds, from Hastings, works under Taranaki-based company Helicopter Services and keeps his helicopter at his home in Pakowhai Road.

 

Company head Brett Emeny said while both men were uninjured, it was clear some mistake had happened.

 

"It's more of a disappointment than anything."

 

Today Mr Symonds' family were breathing a sigh of relief, saying only that he had been "bloody lucky" to walk away.

[justfly]

yeah, saw that story ttf, but didn't post it cuz of dem new rulz :down:

 

So, couldn't think of a current model $ikor$ky smaller or cheaper than the S76!! :shock: yeeouch! Any model specific info on this mishap out there?

[412driver]

Sikorsky 300CBi

 

:up:

[N1]

Apparently a round-motor S55!

[justfly]

412D - I thought of that, but has anyone referred to them as Sikorskys yet? Does Sikorsky plan to add their moniker, or will they let Schweizer operate autonomously?

 

N1 - thanks for the info, guess I wasn't thinking "classic". That's unfortunate news, I expect there are fewer of the old gals around. Figured most of the 55s still flying had been given the turbine treatment. Does the cockpt layout particularily lend itself to this kind of boo-boo? Would you want to leave the controls while it's turning with a non-pilot having access? I wouldn't in anything I fly - but I'm a little fussy that way.

[407 Driver]

There's only one S55 on the NZ registry, could be the one?

 

ZK-HSB

Sikorsky S-55B

s/n 55-1148

3265 kg

Fine Particle Application (NZ) Ltd

PO Box 70 INGLEWOOD 4651

 

The preliminary Accident / Incident data wil be published in a day or two, We'll find out for sure then....

[justfly]

The preliminary Accident / Incident data wil be published in a day or two, We'll find out for sure then....

This week's reports are up... only heli was a R22 fatal

[407 Driver]

True, this incident never made it to press this week, perhaps next Monday ?