NTSB Unveils Report on Fatal Accident Due to Helicopter Wake Turbulence
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that an inadvertent encounter with helicopter wake turbulence during initial climb led to a fatal accident, caused by the loss of airplane control.
The incident underscores the persistent dangers of wake turbulence encounters. This is particularly true for helicopter operations, which can generate significantly stronger wake vortices than fixed-wing aircraft of the same weight. Helicopter wakes pose an especially high risk when the rotorcraft operates at slower speeds, ranging from 20 to 50 knots.
This revelation emphasizes the crucial need for all pilots to be aware of wake turbulence and to follow proper avoidance procedures. The Federal Aviation Administration urges pilots to remain particularly vigilant during takeoff, approach, and landing operations. They should proactively adjust their flight paths to prevent wake encounters. Wake vortices can linger for several minutes after an aircraft has passed and can trigger anything from mild turbulence to a devastating loss of control.
Source: General Aviation News