Gelisim News

Professor at Istanbul Gelisim University, School of Applied Sciences Dr. Osman Ergüven Vatandaş, made statements about technical specifications of helicopters and causes of the accident.

Stating that helicopters are more sensitive to meteorological changes and weather events from low altitude Prof. Dr. Vatandaş said: “Helicopters has more risks in terms of crash-breaking by hitting various obstacles such as high-voltage lines, trees, buildings, poles, etc.”

CAUSES OF HELICOPTER ACCIDENTS

Describing the causes of accident-crashes in helicopters, Prof. Dr. Vatandaş said: “Operational errors, ie errors in handling or maintenance procedures, mechanical or electrical faults and various external factors could be counted. Problems related to engine failure and tail rotor, low visibility due to adverse weather conditions, very low altitude flight and various pilotage errors seem to play an important role in helicopter crashes.”

AUTOROTATION PILOTAGE METHOD

Pointing out that in the case of engine failure can be applied a pilotage method called 'autorotation', Prof. Dr. Vatandaş said: “Helicopter pilots take its training and do it continuously. This method is like a kind of airplane soaring. Pilots attempt to make a safe landing using the rotating energy of the main rotor and the relative wind in the helicopter. However, when the altitude is too low or too high and the obstacles of the place are not suitable, it can deprive the helicopter of any engine failure and autorotation and the possibility of safe landing. In addition, the fact that helicopters have more controls than airplanes increases the accident rates during the basic pilot training compared to the aircraft.”
 
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE

Underlining that in particular military helicopter pilot training and combat readiness level, is very good in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Osman Ergüven Vatandaş, added: “As an example, recently a military helicopter landed on the Tigris River in Diyarbakir and stopped hanging in the air. The team that performed this operation was awarded the courage and talent award by Sikorsky. Due to the fact that the helicopters have a rotating system, a large number of moving parts can increase the possibility of mechanical and hydraulic system failure. One of the reasons for the frequent helicopter crash is that the helicopter is mounted or crashed in various obstacles such as high voltage lines. In contrast, helicopters are fitted with wire cutting apparatus as a precaution. Generally, these apparatuses are in the form of a cutting tool, one of which is narrowed at the bottom. When the wire hits, it enters and breaks. It is also important to install various plastic apparatus to increase the visibility of high-voltage lines and to take precautions such as flashing lights at night.”