AAIU Reports

SYNOPSIS

While dealing with a perceived technical problem about 20 minutes flying time from Galway Airport, the Pilot became unsure of his position and requested a radar heading to Galway from Shannon Air Traffic Control (ATC). On arrival at Galway the Pilot carried out a landing on Runway (RWY) 08, where the aircraft was observed by ATC to “porpoise” or bounce a number of times, before departing the runway near it’s end, onto an open grass area. While the aircraft was substantially damaged, the Pilot and passenger were unhurt. The Airport Fire Services later towed the aircraft to the light aircraft apron.

 SYNOPSIS

The helicopter had just taken off on a short flight. The engine started to run rough and lose power. As the helicopter was over a large open area, but surrounded by a built-up area, the pilot lowered the collective pitch lever and initiated an autorotation. During the autorotation descent the engine stopped completely. The pilot successfully performed a power-off autorotation and landed the helicopter without damage. The Investigation found that carburettor icing was the probable cause of the event.

  SYNOPSIS

The single engine helicopter landed on the upper floor of a multi-story car park in the centre of Athlone town.  A Car Park Attendant claimed he had attempted to wave the aircraft away as it did not have permission to land.  The Attendant stated, as the helicopter continued to land, he then took refuge behind a door where he was injured by the helicopter’s main rotor downwash.

The landing, at an elevated site in the centre of a large town, by the single engine helicopter was contrary to the Rules of the Air. 

  SYNOPSIS

On departure from the static display park at the Salthill Airshow 2007, an emergency egress hatch separated from the right-hand side cargo sliding door of a Merlin helicopter and fell to earth. The Investigation found that the locking mechanism of the egress hatch had been interfered with by an unknown member of the viewing public during the course of the day. This unlocked condition, remained undetected during the pre-flight inspection by the aircrew. Two spectators reported receiving minor injuries.

SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS

The aircraft departed a private airfield on a local flight and proceeded in a northerly direction at an altitude of approximately 1,000 ft.  After approximately 20 minutes flying time the engine stopped without warning.  The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was unable to restart the engine in the time available.  In the subsequent forced landing the aircraft impacted heavily with the ground and was severely damaged.  The pilot suffered serious injuries.

SYNOPSIS

During passenger boarding, in wet and windy conditions, a Cabin Crew Member slipped and fell through the open aft service door.  While falling to the ramp, she hit a baggage cart. As a result, she was unconscious for a short period and was afterwards taken to hospital.

  SYNOPSIS

On 13 October 2006, a Eurocopter EC120B, registration N526AG, operated a short flight between Carlow and Newbridge landing at a private site at Tougher Business Park. While positioning to land, N526AG passed in close proximity to a parked helicopter and caused significant damage as a result of rotor downwash.  There were no injuries.