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.

TarJak · 06-20-07, 04:03 AM

This report says the Army left off the flotation devices because they "undermined performance in and escape, meant significant modifcation and were expensive."

I leave it up to you to opine on which was the deciding factor.

baggygreen · 06-21-07, 02:21 AM

To this i would also like to add, (according to an "experienced chopper pilot" who wrote to my local paper)

the Kanimbla was not headed into the wind, but moving with it. meaning the chopper's tail rotor stalled, they lost control and began counterrotating, and boom.

this may explain why the military didnt want the footage released.. it shows not pilot error but error on the command and control component of the crew.

if its true, of course.

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06-20-07, 04:03 AM	#2
TarJak Fleet Admiral Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 17,052 Downloads: 150 Uploads: 8	This report says the Army left off the flotation devices because they "undermined performance in and escape, meant significant modifcation and were expensive." I leave it up to you to opine on which was the deciding factor.

06-21-07, 02:21 AM	#3
baggygreen Sea Lord Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canberra, ACT, Down Under (really On Top) Posts: 1,880 Downloads: 7 Uploads: 0	To this i would also like to add, (according to an "experienced chopper pilot" who wrote to my local paper) the Kanimbla was not headed into the wind, but moving with it. meaning the chopper's tail rotor stalled, they lost control and began counterrotating, and boom. this may explain why the military didnt want the footage released.. it shows not pilot error but error on the command and control component of the crew. if its true, of course.