Fear of Landing

APRIL 19, 2024

At approximately 30-40 feet agl, the spinning stopped and the helicopter appeared to stabilize for a brief moment before continuing a nose-low, forward descent into the grass north of Runway 28. The operator confirmed that the tail rotor had been installed the day before the accident. As it descended it spun around 2-3 times.

Torque 94

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 94

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

The GOM also called for the airspeed to be “on target” at such altitudes respectively. The combined effects of high density altitude, published gradients, and optical illusion of a down-sloping runway at night all indicate a higher probability of an unstable approach. The ceiling is 800 ft overcast.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Chess In the Air

JUNE 24, 2022

The Rifle ASOS recorded a gust of 43 mph from the south: a 100-degree shift in direction, putting it right on his tail. He only needed a glide ratio of 14:1 to reach the airfield to arrive at a typical pattern altitude of 1,000 ft AGL. At this point he still had an altitude of 8,275 ft MSL, i.e. 2,739 ft AGL.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52

Chess In the Air

JULY 4, 2022

Once Shmulik was in the pattern the key thing that possibly could have helped him (besides a greater altitude) is a very high airspeed to get out of the sink and safeguard against the sudden tail wind. In still air, the climb rate under full power is likely in the range of 3-5 kts given the high density altitude environment at Rifle.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear AGL Lift Runway 52