In the news

OK it started interesting now isn't there some kind of aviation forum for you to >>>>>>>

;)

800 is typical at that point and approximate. No reason whatsoever why the planners should get any heat, a NOTAM had been issued so the pilot should have been aware. Of course if the pilot had only checked for NOTAMs on their planned route and not on the diversion... But I'm speculating now. Doesn't change the fact the copter shouldn't have been anywhere near as close to the building as the crane was.

As you say pointless to speculate but read some 'eye witness' accounts and they said the helicopter looked 'out of control' before it hit the crane.

But who knows. I do know the visiability was shit as I can normally see the tower for a fair bit of my commute but could hardly make it out today (I did look as I'd seen the news before I'd left).

Out of control may just be that the pilot was unaware of the crane due to not seeing it while trying to maneuver around the building.

The tail is currently resting on top of the building I think?

That means the fuselage struck the crane with enough force to shear a huge portion of it off in the impact. It didn't take a glancing blow from the crane it full on hit it.

Tail is on other building.

What time did this happen again? It was after 8 wasn't it? In which case it would have been light and the lamp wouldn't have been lit anyway (based on the NOTAM saying lit at night).

Sunrise was 7.57 today and it happened at 8.00 ish. The lights are on the crane when I get to work at 8.30 normally I think.

Tail is on other building.

Different building but still severed from fuselage.

Out of control may just be that the pilot was unaware of the crane due to not seeing it while trying to maneuver around the building.

The tail is currently resting on top of the building I think?

That means the fuselage struck the crane with enough force to shear a huge portion of it off in the impact. It didn't take a glancing blow from the crane it full on hit it.

Helithing was going south - ish, and the crane was pointing north-ish last night. I iz clearly technical. Something apparently landed on the roof of St George's wharf, but some of the tail of the helicopter is on the roof of those data yellow storage buildings

It hit the jib hard enough to shear through steel truss...

Bits of the crane are just being driven past the window...

^^^ and I'm awaiting MDDCZPTester to point out different load strengths of that jib.

Today incident probably sound like a human error that the pilot have ultimately paid for.

...and some poor sod in other building?

You don't know that Ed. So why speculate about it.

Ed's whole life revolves around speculation...

Ed's whole life revolves around speculation...

Prove it

I was speculating...

Prove it

http://www.lfgss.com/thread45948.html

I reckon the dude was on an alternate flight course, had no visibility and no information regarding new tower and melted into the jib flat out (200mph+) thinking he was safe at 800ft ceiling.

Don't replicate.

S P E C U L A T E

Don't legislate

R E G U L A T E

chooon

Blockbusters go into administration...

Internet killed the video 'block bust' star? :o$

Thought that already happened.

Speculation ≠ FACT

christ will there be a high street left at all in a few years time
or just a bunch of people hunched over their computers shopping and chatting about and buying bikes .... oh wait hang on a minute

Heli pilot: Pete Barnes

RIP - Rotormotion:

Approximately 9,000 hours, about 3,500 on Agusta’s, 500 fixed wing

After Finishing his Business Studies Degree, Pete’s worked as a ski instructor and ski guide in Europe, later going into the Advertising Business. Fortunately, the helicopter bug bit and he moved to America for three years, earning his US Commercial and Instructors Licence flying R22, Jet Rangers and Bell 222’s around Florida and the East Coast.

Pete moved back to the UK and over the last 18 years has had a diverse career, Instructing, flying the ‘Newcastle Traffic & Travel’ helicopter as the ‘Voice of Metro FM’, flying the Air Ambulance and flying in many movies, TV programmes and adverts as both camera ship and action vehicle. These include: James Bond ‘Die Another Day’, ‘Tomb Raider II’, Saving Private Ryan and various Fastnets, and Offshore Powerboat races.

He is one of the countries most experienced Agusta pilots and instructor and has personally ferried 50 new machines from the factory in Milan to customers.

He has flown as a freelance pilot for RotorMotion since 1997. We often get repeat business from clients, who request him for both his piloting skills and his relaxed charming manner.

Not exactly amateur hour.