In
response to this and a number of other fatal accidents
in other R44 helicopters, the Civil Aviation Safety
Authority (CASA) and the ATSB have separately
highlighted the benefits of the upgraded bladder-type
fuel tank and related modifications to operational and
maintenance personnel. In addition, the helicopter
manufacturer has progressively reduced the compliance
time on service bulletin SB-78 in respect of the
installation of the bladder
type fuel tanks to April 30, 2013. A second bulletin
aimed at removing a possible impact related ignition
source was also issued
and the manufacturer is issuing advisory information
emphasizing the importance of maintaining control of the
helicopter during an unexpected event.
This accident highlights the importance of ensuring all
doors are secured prior to takeoff. That said, the
opening of a door in flight will not normally affect the
operation of an R44, but the instinctive reaction to
immediately deal with such an event can be quite strong.
Pilots need to be aware that this reaction may be hard
to overcome and in the event of an unexpected situation
occurring such as the opening of the door, it is vital
that pilots should continue to ‘fly the aircraft’. This
includes choosing to land to close the door if
necessary. The fitment of bladder-type fuel tanks to R44
helicopters is a worthwhile safety enhancement that
could save lives and advice from CASA is that their
installation in accordance with the manufacturer’s
service bulletin by April 30, 2013 is mandatory.
Andrew Wight (14 November 1959 – 4 February 2012) was an
Australian screenwriter and producer best known for his
2011 film Sanctum. He produced over 45 films including
television documentaries, live television specials and
3D IMAX films. His credits include Ghosts of the Abyss,
Aliens of the Deep and Expedition: Bismarck. Andrew
Wight has been honored with the Australian Geographic
Society Spirit of Adventure Awards in 1989.
Mike deGruy (December 29, 1951 – February 4, 2012)
was an American documentary filmmaker specializing
in underwater cinematography. His credits include
Life in the Freezer, Trials of Life, The Blue Planet
and Pacific Abyss. He was also known for his
storytelling, most notably, a passionate TED talk
about his love of the ocean on the Mission Blue
Voyage. His company, Film Crew Inc., specialized in
underwater cinematography, filming for BBC, PBS,
National Geographic, and The Discovery Channel. His
notable accomplishments include diving beneath
thermal vents in both the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific
Ocean. He was a member of many deep sea expeditions
and was a part of the team that first filmed the
vampire squid and the nautilus.
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