rotorrodent Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 Here is the news media link for the R44 Crash on Mt Charleston, Las Vegas. 3 Lucky to walk away with minor injuries. Unknown as to who it was as of yet. Rotorrodent R44 Crash Mt Charleston Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDHelicopterPilot Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 I've been trying to figure out more about it. The top of Mt. Charleston is just under 12,000msl. Not sure as to exactly where they went down though or why. If they were up that high trying to land then that could be the issue. JD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashed_05 Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 They reported problems after takeoff, but attempted the 12,000 ft peak anyway? Glad they all made it out ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDHelicopterPilot Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 Takeoff from where? I'd be hard pressed to try to land an R-44 at 12,000' with 3 POB this time of year it's still warm out there. JD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldy Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 Takeoff from where? I'd be hard pressed to try to land an R-44 at 12,000' with 3 POB this time of year it's still warm out there. JD It was 103 in the desert just west of there this past weekend. I wouldnt try to land a 44 at 12,000 feet in the snow with just me on board...let alone 3 people in the heat. Maybe gimme a B3 ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooked4life Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 I can't believe they survived, the wreckage looks like someone hit that thing with a giant fly-swatter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceWater Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 Geezus It's a miracle that everyone's alright. I don't know how they were able to walk away from that crash after looking at the crash site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delorean Posted September 29, 2009 Report Share Posted September 29, 2009 A few years ago I rented a R44RII from a place down in Boulder City. Kind of a BFR / tour ride since I'd never flown in the mountains before. We flew around Mt. Charleston and topped out around 11,000 ft. All you had to do was start a standard rate turn and the helicopter would start losing altitude. It was wild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDHelicopterPilot Posted September 30, 2009 Report Share Posted September 30, 2009 Just cause the aircraft is certified to 14,000 feet doesn't mean to go out and fly up there with out a good plan and understanding of the performance. Sorry but bringing an R-44 to 12,000' in the tail end of a Nevada summer is asking for it. JD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldy Posted September 30, 2009 Report Share Posted September 30, 2009 Just cause the aircraft is certified to 14,000 feet doesn't mean to go out and fly up there with out a good plan and understanding of the performance. Sorry but bringing an R-44 to 12,000' in the tail end of a Nevada summer is asking for it. JD JD-We both don't have all the facts, but from what I do know, I can't agree more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R22 Driver Posted October 5, 2009 Report Share Posted October 5, 2009 (edited) Just to note that not all three "walked away". The pax in the back seat sustained burns, and to the best of my knowledge is still in the hospital. When a Robbie crashes, it doesn't take much for the gas tanks to catch fire. Edited October 5, 2009 by R22 Driver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeloJunkie Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Here is the news media link for the R44 Crash on Mt Charleston, Las Vegas. 3 Lucky to walk away with minor injuries. Unknown as to who it was as of yet. Rotorrodent R44 Crash Mt Charleston The helicopter was based out of Carlsbad (parked at Western Flight). The pilot (Oliver) was known to many here. I have never met him myself. I hope they all end up OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeloJunkie Posted October 6, 2009 Report Share Posted October 6, 2009 Just to note that not all three "walked away". The pax in the back seat sustained burns, and to the best of my knowledge is still in the hospital. When a Robbie crashes, it doesn't take much for the gas tanks to catch fire. A new R44 came into Civic Helicopters the other day and the tanks are now a bladder style. Not sure when they went to that as my R44 (new in 2008) still had the hard tanks installed. I did have the flexible fuel line SB taken care of courtesy of Robinson under warranty! When I asked about it I was told it was a result of too many post-accident fires although someone mentioned they should have changed the fuel cap style as well !! Interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rollthbns Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 Boy was that pilot know to many........ It will be interesting to see what comes of the investigation. I hope all injured parties make a full and speedy recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deerock Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 interesting about the bladders. we'll see what the statistics show after they're in for a while I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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