HMAS Kanimbla Black Hawk Helicopter Crash footage

TarJak · 06-19-07, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookworm_020

Quote:

Originally Posted by TarJak

The inquiry was told that the Army took out or did not order the inflatable bags thatthe UH-60 can be equipped with that would have slowed the sinking, to save money.

Close, but not quite. The Army had considered having the floatation bags, but decided against it, due to the fact that even though it would slow the sinking of the aircraft, it would also slow the exit of the passangers and crew.

A tough choice in which there will always be a "Maybe"

Thanks for correcting, I heard this morning on Ch9 that it was a cost saving measure. One of the SAS troopers (A clearance diver), reckoned he didn't get out until the chopper was 20-30m underwater based on the rate at which he was clearing his ears and how long it took him to get to the surface. (He actually hit the hull of the Kanimbla on the way up!)

I know there will always be maybe's but if it sunk slower I think they might have all made it. It will be interesting to see what the inquest concludes.