Helicopter Accident Investigation (HAI)
Course Description
The course examines the investigation of helicopter accidents to include processes used to determine the cause. The course includes interactive lecture, various case studies, examination of component wreckage in the classroom and helicopter wreckage examination in the laboratory. The course includes examination of helicopter rotor systems, controls, performance variables, flight hazards and material characteristics involved in helicopter operations and accidents. Although Aircraft Accident Investigation (AAI) is not a prerequisite, it is assumed that the attendee has either completed AAI or has some previous experience in aircraft accident investigation.
Objectives: To provide concepts, practical techniques and methodologies essential to rotary wing aircraft accident investigation.
Who Should Attend: Persons associated in rotary wing accident investigation including manufacturers, operators, associations, insurers, law enforcement, military and government agencies.
Course Outline
- Accident Investigation & Analysis
- Assessing Indicators of Accident Causation
- Data Collection
- Investigative Tools
- Risk and the Operating Environment
- Pre-Investigative Planning
- Operational Procedures
- Technical Data
- Accident Scene Documentation
- Fluid Sample Analysis
- Inventory of Aircraft Wreckage
- Diagrams: Plan, Profile, Polar, Base Line, Witness, Photography
- Impact Force Determination
- Rotor System Examination
- Fire Investigation: Source and Temperature
- Composite Materials Overview
- Powerplant Investigation: Turbine and Reciprocating Engines
- Instrument Examination
- Maintenance Record Evaluation
- Reviewing Pilot Records
- Human Factors and Witness Interview
- Crashworthiness
- Meteorological Investigation
- Communications
- Various Case Studies
- Helicopter Fundamentals and Material Factors
- Material Failure Analysis
- Rotor System Characteristics
- Hover and Low Speed Operations
- Tail Rotor/Anti-Torque Performance Variables
- Downwind Operations
- Forward Flight Operations
- Mast Bumping
- Height/Velocity Variables
- Dynamic Stall
- Compressibility Effects
- Autorotation Variables
- Vortex Ring State
- Dynamic Rollover
- Ground Resonance
- Air Resonance
- Rotor Divergence
- Energy Attenuation Systems/Crashworthiness
CEU: 3.2
Course Duration: 4.5 Days
Tuition: $3,100 (July 2024 - June 2025); $TBD (July 2025 - June 2026)