Helicopter crash MN, 10/7/16

[psween]

Haven't seen any other news or details about this crash. I don't know helicopters well, is there something that could reasonably cause a breakup in flight, aside from hitting something? I know on certain models there is prohibition on push-over type maneuvers due to danger of tail boom rotor strike, but anything else?

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/10/07/multiple-people-killed-in-minnesota-helicopter-crash.html


Patrick

 

[Velocity173]

Helicopters can come from together for multiple reasons; blade separation, mast separation, blades striking the tail boom, etc.

The aircraft in question was a 1982 Hiller that already had two accidents in its past, including one in 2006 when it lost it's tail rotor. No telling what maintenance was done or what type of manuevering the pilot at the controls was doing. Helicopters are extremely maneuverable but they have limits.

 

[GRG55]

Every time I have to get in a helicopter I start recalling my mech eng classes - reciprocating stresses, fatigue life limits, MTBF, all that...

 

[CC268]

Every time I have to get in a helicopter I start recalling my mech eng classes - reciprocating stresses, fatigue life limits, MTBF, all that...

Lol same here...sometimes I think being an M.E. makes me more afraid instead of more confident.

 

[Sac Arrow]

Yep.

 

[Tarheelpilot]

But they are so much fun.