Toolbox

Human error was the reason for the Bell helicopter’s damaged turbine

Dear Editor,

With reference to the report in Kaieteur News (‘Newly-bought helicopter blows up at Tacama,’ 20.7.08), I have used the same sources available to KN to determine the following:

1. The helicopter turbine was damaged and destroyed as a consequence of the human factor, since the helicopter’s engine temperature was exceeded while starting it. This should be referred to as a hot start, which can happen if the pilot is inexperienced or not paying attention when starting a turbine engine. One can look up hot-starting a turbine helicopter engine on the internet and see it can only be caused by human error, which includes trying to start with a dead battery or weak battery and not using an external power source; adding too much fuel; leaving the throttle open while starting; and a host of other things. This applies to starting any turbine engine in the world (an aircraft or helicopter) and is the reason why during the starting of a turbine engine the temperatures must be carefully monitored and the start aborted if the manufacturer’s specifications are being exceeded.

Also, I found out on the internet that the owner of the helicopter must use a special key to reset the engine after the hot start to allow the engine to be restarted, because a red light comes on and disables the engine.

This would lead to the engine being inspected for turbine damage prior to being returned to service. In this case, it seems that turbine damage did occur and other components and parts failed as a result of the hot start and had to be changed. I am quite sure after the turbine is replaced along with the other failed parts the helicopter will be returned to service.

2. The helicopter was never flown as a crop duster. However, it was operated by a police department in Japan as a forward tactical helicopter for reconnaissance, aerial patrol and surveillance missions in one province.

This is exactly what the Government of Guyana is doing with the same helicopter and there seems to be a problem in Guyana.

It seems as though the Government of Guyana made the right choice by purchasing used, low-operating-cost helicopters that can be operated for reconnaissance, aerial patrol and surveillance while their inexperienced crews gain knowledge, exposure and experience. I would shudder to think about the cost to conduct similar repairs and turbine replacement in the Bell 412 helicopter, a new helicopter or similar class and category helicopter. However, these are not cost effective for use in aerial patrol, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and are too expensive for a poor country like Guyana to operate.

Yours faithfully,
John Douglas

Comments

About Comments

We reserve the right to edit/delete comments for length, any libel and taste. We moderate all comments so be patient while your message waits to be approved.
Curious about the little images next to each commenter's name ? Go here and sign up using the same email address you used to register for Stabroeknews.com then upload your image and confirm it.
We recognized that the registration process was troublesome to some users. So now in addition to being able to fully register and subscribe with a username and password, you can also comment on the articles by simply entering a name and email address. If you are a frequent commenter, you will want to login so you don’t have to re-type your name and email address everytime you make a comment.

6 Responses to “Human error was the reason for the Bell helicopter’s damaged turbine”

Guy Marco
on July 23rd, 2008 2:27 am

It’s down already? And they haven’t catch the Guyana’s most wanted men?

[Reply to this]
La vie est bonne!
In reply to the above comment on July 23rd, 2008 8:48 am:
Are you really surprised? I’m sure you know this was a given!

[Reply to this]
GTPROF
In reply to the above comment on July 23rd, 2008 1:32 pm:
La Vie, how can you blame the govt or the equipment, if human factor was an error. You are just political. I think you are one of the politicians with a beef against the govt. I am not a merely a citizen, watching and observing the critics.

GTPROF
In reply to the above comment on July 23rd, 2008 11:09 am:
Guy, there was an unforeseen human factor which resulted in some down time for the helicopter. However, it seems to be flying now and ok. In the world of real like, we have to include the human factor…we cannot hide from it. It can costs us. Im this case not much because the Bell 206 is relatively economical and inexpensive to operate.

[Reply to this]
malaika06
In reply to the above comment on July 23rd, 2008 6:23 pm:
I’m getting so sick of this individual calling himself GTPROF.
And the letter writer styling himself, John Douglas is so patently fake and he sounds exactly like GTPROF - an apologist from Camp Ayangana!!!

Just compare the two writing styles

GTPROF
In reply to the above comment on July 23rd, 2008 9:40 pm:
Malaika06, let’s talk facts and stick with the argument….don’t throw any stones………..if you don’t know anything about the topic…….shhhhhh!!!!
I am not in the politics…….so let’s talk about this subject matter. You sound like one of the typical politicians looking for a row…not with me (smile)…….

I just dont want to see THIRD WORLD CRITICS knock one of the world’s safest and best helicopters because they have their own agendas……..create confusion and stir up trouble……