Pilots Killed By Own Rotor Blades

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No Joy

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Though I've always wondered why helos don't have a rotor line painted similar to the prop warning lines that some cargo planes have? A "rotor dip" line or whatever the term is.
 
Pi1otguy said:
Though I've always wondered why helos don't have a rotor line painted similar to the prop warning lines that some cargo planes have? A "rotor dip" line or whatever the term is.
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Too many variables to determine where to put the stripe. Changes in RPM R, cyclic position, winds, even uneven terrain. Approaching the aircraft it would be difficult to determine where the actual height of the blades are based on a stripe. Plus most aircraft have a mast so high the droop in the blades doesn't even go below the fuse on the sides even during idle. The only real spot you could put one would be the front and that would go across the windscreen.

Never approach an aircraft without the PIC's approval and on flat terrain always approach from the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. You can duck (I never do) as well to ensure clearance if you're worried.
 
SoloEqs said:
Yeah, what he said, except that I always duck. It's instinctive, and I figure that there's a good reason for that particular instinct, so why fight it?
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It's generally considered good practice to have a wide error of margin in favor of safety. In other words try to keep your head way out of danger.

It's best to take the time to look to see where the rotors are each time, rather than assuming that they are the same height as in previous experience.

I saw the aftermath of a helicopter that made a hard landing. The crew survived the crash. However they were decapitated when they egressed. The gear/skids collapsed, making the aircraft much lower to the ground than normal, they egressed while the rotors were still rotating and egressed as if it was a normal landing. They seemingly did not take time or notice that the skids had collapsed and aircraft was sitting lower and at an odd angle.
 
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This thread reminds me of this video. Slow motion at the end, guy ends up walking away.
 
SoloEqs said:
Yeah, what he said, except that I always duck. It's instinctive, and I figure that there's a good reason for that particular instinct, so why fight it?
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Well I'm short so I'm good. :) Seriously though I actually look up at the blades as I pass under them. If it's at night, sometimes I'll shine my light up there to ensure I have clearance. Biggest thing is just make sure the PIC is guarding the controls and knows you're approaching.

I came within about a foot of decapitating a French Soldier in Afghanistan. We were doing a resupply to a pinnacle and we were only able to put the mains on with the tail up in the air. The guy came running up to the aircraft from the worst possible position; right front quarter. That's exactly where I had the cyclic displaced to counter the slope. My CP in the right seat yells "S--t! Watch this guy!" I pulled just enough aft stick to clear his head but when I did we slid backwards and our right wheel snagged the crew chiefs cable pulling it from his helmet. He lays on the ground next to the tire and says "Sir you're on my cable, pick up your wheel so I can get it out." All of this at 8,000 ft, on a ridge with 35 kt winds blowing us in the middle of a combat op. Good times.

Suggestions for those going on their first helo flight:

1. Approach the aircraft only after one of the crew members wave you in.
2. Approach the aircraft at the sides or slightly aft of 3 & 9 o'clock.
3. Avoid the nose and tail. Tail is obvious, nose because most (all the ones I've flown) have a forward tilt in the transmission so it's the lowest place on the disk.
4. If you happen to be in the unfortunate position of being in a crash, resist the temptation to immediately evacuate. Unless you're on fire stay put til the rotor blades stop. If you must exit go to the sides, unless it's sloped, then just go to the lowest terrain.
5. Don't wear a hat or any clothing not securly attached to the body while under a spinning rotor.
6. Enjoy the ride.
 
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