Another Helicopter ditches into the north sea....

[robin]

A very cruel accident - people returning from stints offshore to their friends and families. I hope that the relatives have been informed - there was no mention of that on the Sky News site - makes it even worse if you find it out watching the telly

Robin

[tut]

Worst scenario for any helicopter pilot is a main rotor blade detaching, but he would have not got a Mayday out if that had happened.

As Rich says, double engine failures or tail rotor failure have happened many times, and a competent pilot with a calm sea and good weather would take that in his stride in putting the aircraft down safely on the surface.

Will probably have to wait for the black box as there are no survivors.

tut

[tut]

At least this time Robin they announced it as Bond straight away, but before that the relatives/families would have been told as soon as possible, but unfortunately with the speed of the press/TV and Internet nowadays, if you are not at home you could hear it on the radio, its happened before.

Usual procedure for an accident like this if there is no indication of the cause, is the grounding of the type straight away. There is also going to be a lot of apprehension amongst the Oilmen with two helicopters from the same Company going in within a few weeks of each other, one with tragic results.

tut

[GenCuster]

That's really bad news and a terrible loss for the families and loved ones.

[scottishselise]

Yes indeed. It sends a shiver through my spine. Never used to be bothered about the chopper and I am in the N.Sea at the moment....

[r055]

sad sad news...

[campbell]

Very sobering.

It's a big deal whichever way you look at it.

But the time I spent working in Aberdeen in my "younger years" (on IT systems used on and offshore in the oil business), and the connections and friends I have in Aberdeen / the offshore industry through Scottish Elises, bring this one very very close to home.

Full respect to all you guys flying on and off platforms just to bring us gas for the boiler and 95RON for the car. And of course thoughts to those closest to the brave souls affected today. Two of these craft down in such a short space of time would more than spook me. I'd be giving it up for good as soon as I saw dry land again.

Campbell

[scottishselise]

I'd be giving it up for good as soon as I saw dry land again.

Campbell

Thanks. But I cannot find the anywhere near the same $$$ on land at the moment.

[Alex 111s]

This is a really sad day for the industry and really puts into perspective the consequences of risks alot of us take as routine.
Our thoughts are with the friend, families and co-works of those who are lost.
On a personal level, it's brought it closer to home as I have past connections to Miller as I worked for BP for a time on projects for Miller and know a number of the guys involved with it's decommissioning.

[scottishselise]

This is a really sad day for the industry and really puts into perspective the consequences of risks alot of us take as routine.
Our thoughts are with the friend, families and co-works of those who are lost.
On a personal level, it's brought it closer to home as I have past connections to Miller as I worked for BP for a time on projects for Miller and know a number of the guys involved with it's decommissioning.

Likewise. I spent >5 trips on Gal 1 last year (6 weeks ago a BOND chopper went down right next to it), and also some time on the Miller. The more I think, the more I am considering 'sod the £'.

S

[tut]

The dangers have to be put into perspective though.

Passengers fly out every two to three weeks, pilots are doing it every day. Every time that I climbed into my car to drive to work, I was taking a far bigger chance than when I climbed into my helicopter.

tut

[Rich H]

The French fly the Puma with one engine and one lump of concrete to sort the balance, the engines are that reliable. Built for Frnech underground trains they are some of the most fod resistant and tough engines in service. We had one take a pigeon and the bin lid on the front of the intake through the engine. The pilot didn't notice and the only thing that changed was a slight rise in TBT as it was missing a few blades! The ground crew pointed it out on taxi in!

For sh!ts and giggles we started it up the following morning and it started and ran just fine, just a little hotter and with a slight vibration (!)

Catestrophic failure is VERY rare these things fly day in day out all over the world with no issues at all.

[Shug]

The dangers have to be put into perspective though.

Passengers fly out every two to three weeks, pilots are doing it every day. Every time that I climbed into my car to drive to work, I was taking a far bigger chance than when I climbed into my helicopter.

tut

Yeah - very good point tut. Absolutely horrible for the families involved and my thoughts are with them, but it is a rare enough occurrence to be top-item news. That can only be a good thing, if positives can be taken.

[scottishselise]

if positives can be taken.

Can't think of any...

[Shug]

if positives can be taken.

Can't think of any...

That it's a very rare occurrence, that's all mate. Still, that means nothing to anyone remotely involved with this incident, no intention to cause offence.