Helicopter Crashes: Why Helicopters Are So Dangerous

A Vietnam-era Huey helicopter crashed this week in the Kelly Mountain area along state Route 17 in Logan County, WV – killing six people. The helicopter accident attorneys at Bailey, Javins, and Carter are saddened by this news, but we stand with the residents of West Virginia, ready to help victims of such accidents collect the damages they are entitled to.

This tragic incident is one of several fatal helicopter accidents that have occurred this year, and it is another reminder of the dangers involved with flying in this type of aircraft.

Why Do Helicopters Crash So Often?

While offering unparalleled versatility and access to otherwise unreachable locations, flying in a helicopter carries inherent dangers that distinguish it from fixed-wing aircraft travel. The very characteristics that make helicopters unique – their vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, hovering ability, and maneuverability in confined spaces – also contribute to a heightened risk profile. When unforeseen circumstances arise during a helicopter flight, the consequences are frequently severe, often resulting in tragic fatalities. Below, we will delve  deeper into the specific hazards associated with helicopter operations, expanding on the initial points to provide a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved.

Elevated Risk Profile of Helicopter Operations

Unlike their fixed-wing counterparts that adhere to established flight paths, utilize designated runways, and operate under the constant guidance of air traffic control, helicopters often navigate complex and less controlled environments.

Their missions frequently involve operating outside the structured framework of airports, venturing into diverse and sometimes hazardous terrains inaccessible to traditional aircraft. This inherent flexibility, while advantageous for specific tasks, simultaneously introduces a layer of increased risk.

Consider the diverse applications of helicopters. They are indispensable tools for military operations, often deployed in hostile environments and demanding tactical scenarios. The film and television industry relies heavily on helicopters for capturing aerial shots, frequently requiring pilots to execute intricate maneuvers near obstacles.

Even seemingly benign applications like tourism, as tragically illustrated by the Huey helicopter crash near Kelly Mountain, expose passengers to the inherent risks associated with rotary-wing aviation. The absence of standardized flight corridors and the frequent need to operate in challenging landscapes contribute significantly to the elevated risk profile compared to commercial airline travel.

Increased Exposure Due to Frequent Takeoffs and Landings

A fundamental difference between airplane and helicopter operations lies in the frequency of takeoffs and landings. While airplanes typically embark on a single takeoff from one airport and conclude with a single landing at another, maintaining relatively stable altitudes during the enroute phase, helicopters often undertake multiple ascents and descents within a single mission.

This is necessitated by their operational requirements, which frequently involve transporting personnel or cargo to multiple dispersed locations, conducting search and rescue operations with numerous hoists, or performing aerial surveys with repeated repositioning.

Each takeoff and landing phase represents a period of heightened aerodynamic vulnerability for any aircraft. During these critical phases, the aircraft is operating at lower altitudes and airspeeds, leaving less margin for error in the event of mechanical malfunction, sudden changes in wind conditions, or pilot misjudgment.

The increased number of takeoff and landing cycles inherent in many helicopter operations directly correlates with a greater cumulative probability of encountering a hazardous situation during one of these critical phases. This repeated exposure to the inherent risks associated with takeoff and landing significantly contributes to the overall danger of helicopter flight.

Heightened Vulnerability Due to Low-Altitude Flying

A significant safety advantage enjoyed by large commercial airplanes is their ability to cruise at high altitudes, well above turbulent weather patterns and terrestrial obstacles such as trees, buildings, communication towers, and mountainous terrain.

This high-altitude capability provides a substantial buffer in the event of an emergency and minimizes the risk of collision with ground-based hazards. Helicopters, however, typically operate at much lower altitudes due to the nature of their missions. This low altitude flying exposes them directly to the risks posed by turbulence, unpredictable wind shear, and the constant presence of obstacles in their operational environment.

Navigating through valleys, maneuvering around structures, and operating in close proximity to the ground are common requirements for many helicopter missions. This necessitates precise piloting and constant vigilance to avoid collisions.

Unlike airplanes that have the altitude to potentially recover from certain emergencies, helicopters operating at low altitudes have significantly less time and space to react to unforeseen events. The lack of a substantial vertical buffer amplifies the potential consequences of even minor mechanical issues or pilot errors, making low-altitude operations a significant contributing factor to the inherent dangers of helicopter flight.

Complexity and Maintenance Challenges of Helicopter Machinery

Helicopters are remarkably intricate machines, possessing a significantly higher number of moving parts compared to fixed-wing aircraft. This complex mechanical architecture, while enabling their unique capabilities, also introduces a greater potential for component failure due to manufacturing defects, material fatigue, or inadequate maintenance.

The rotor system, with its intricate array of blades, swashplate mechanisms, and control linkages, is a prime example of this complexity. The failure of even a single critical component within this system can have catastrophic consequences.

Furthermore, the specialized nature of helicopter maintenance presents its own set of challenges. Maintaining these complex machines requires highly trained and experienced mechanics with specific expertise in rotary-wing aircraft.

The availability of such qualified personnel can be limited in certain geographic areas, potentially leading to delays in necessary maintenance or, in some unfortunate cases, the temptation for operators to cut corners on essential servicing to reduce costs. Deferred or inadequate maintenance significantly increases the risk of mechanical failure during flight, directly jeopardizing the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. The intricate machinery and the potential for compromised maintenance practices contribute substantially to the dangers associated with helicopter operations.

The Demanding Skill and Focus Required for Helicopter Piloting

The fundamental principles of helicopter flight differ significantly from those of fixed-wing aircraft, demanding a higher level of piloting skill, continuous focus, and rapid decision-making. Unlike airplanes that rely on forward airspeed for lift and stability, helicopters generate lift through their rotating rotor blades, requiring constant adjustments to maintain stable flight. Hovering, a unique capability of helicopters, demands intricate coordination of all flight controls and exceptional pilot proficiency.

The frequent takeoffs and landings, coupled with the need to maneuver in confined spaces and adapt to rapidly changing wind conditions, place immense demands on helicopter pilots. They must possess a deep understanding of aerodynamics, exceptional hand-eye coordination, and the ability to react swiftly and accurately to unexpected situations.

Pilot fatigue, distractions, or impairment due to factors like intoxication can have devastating consequences in the demanding environment of helicopter flight. While rigorous training and certification processes are in place, the inherent complexity of controlling a helicopter and the high operational tempo in some sectors mean that the risk of pilot error remains a significant safety concern.

Increased Susceptibility to Adverse Weather Conditions

Weather plays a critical role in the safety of all aviation, but helicopters are particularly vulnerable to the effects of adverse meteorological conditions. Unlike large airplanes that can often climb above turbulent air masses and navigate around severe weather systems, helicopters typically operate at lower altitudes where they are directly exposed to the full impact of wind, rain, snow, fog, and icing.

Strong winds, especially gusty or unpredictable wind shear, can severely impact a helicopter’s stability and control, potentially leading to a loss of lift or directional control. Heavy rain or snow can reduce visibility to near zero, making navigation and obstacle avoidance extremely challenging. Icing on the rotor blades can disrupt airflow and significantly reduce lift, potentially leading to a catastrophic loss of control.

Due to their lower operational altitudes and inherent aerodynamic sensitivities, helicopters have limited ability to escape adverse weather conditions once encountered. Therefore, meticulous weather monitoring and a proactive approach to postponing flights in unfavorable conditions are paramount for helicopter safety.

However, the unpredictable nature of weather and the operational pressures to complete missions can sometimes lead to flights being undertaken in marginal or deteriorating conditions, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

Experienced West Virginia Helicopter Accident Lawyers

Our hearts go out to those who lost loved ones in the recent Logan County, WV helicopter crash, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hopefully, some good will come out of this tragedy and helicopter operators will take more steps that are needed to prevent incidents like these from happening in the future. In the meantime, we will continue to fight to ensure that those responsible for accidents like these are held fully accountable.

If you need any legal help regarding helicopter accidents or any other type of personal injury in West Virginia, Bailey, Javins, and Carter L.C. is here for you. Call us toll-free at (800) 497-0234 or (800) 296-6979 or message us online to speak with one of our attorneys.