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 76

Torque Indicated Airspeed Tail Knot 76

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

It is based on the pilot’s judgment of certain visual clues, and depends on the maintenance of a constant final descent airspeed and configuration. The GOM also called for the airspeed to be “on target” at such altitudes respectively. A controller who withholds or issues a late descent clearance is also to blame.

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. Under normal circumstances Shmulik would have had sufficient altitude to delay the landing by several minutes: his glider’s minimum descent rate in still air was just 100 fpm.

Pilot 52

Pilot AGL Wind Shear Runway 52