Helicopter Accident Investigation

The course examines the investigation of helicopter accidents to include processes used to determine the cause. The course includes interactive lecture, various case studies, examination of component wreckage in the classroom and helicopter wreckage examination in the laboratory. The course includes examination of helicopter rotor systems, controls, performance variables, flight hazards and material characteristics involved in helicopter operations and accidents. Although Aircraft Accident Investigation (AAI) is not a prerequisite, it is assumed that the attendee has either completed AAI or has some previous experience in aircraft accident investigation.

Objectives: To provide concepts, practical techniques and methodologies essential to rotary wing aircraft accident investigation.

Who Should Attend: Persons associated with rotary wing accident investigation including manufacturers, operators, associations, insurers, law enforcement, military and governmental agencies.

Course Outline

1. Accident Investigation & Analysis:
       Assessing Indicators of Accident Causation
       Data Collection
       Investigative Tools
       Risk and the Operating Environment
       Pre-Investigative Planning
       Operational Procedures
       Technical Data
       Accident Scene Documentation
       Fluid Sample Analysis
       Inventory of Aircraft Wreckage
       Diagrams: Plan, Profile, Polar, Base Line, Witness, Photography
       Impact Force Determination
       Rotor System Examination
       Fire Investigation: Source and Temperature
       Composite Materials Overview
       Powerplant Investigation: Turbine and Reciprocating Engines
       Instrument Examination
       Maintenance Record Evaluation
       Reviewing Pilot Records
       Human Factors and Witness Interview
       Crashworthiness
       Meteorological Investigation
       Communications
       Various Case Studies
2. Helicopter Fundamentals and Material Factors
       Material Failure Analysis
       Rotor System Characteristics
       Hover and Low Speed Operations
       Tail Rotor/Anti-Torque Performance Variables
       Downwind Operations
       Forward Flight Operations
       Mast Bumping
       Height/Velocity Variables
       Dynamic Stall
       Compressibility Effects
       Autorotation Variables
       Vortex Ring State
       Dynamic Rollover
       Ground Resonance
       Air Resonance
       Rotor Divergence
       Energy Attenuation Systems/Crashworthiness