Analysis of Rotorwash Effects in Helicopter Mishaps

Abstract

A selected number of rotorwash related helicopter mishaps have been reviewed and analyzed. This analysis attempts to determine threshold levels of rotorwash velocity that result in potential hazards. Due to a lack of detailed mishap information being available, critical threshold values of velocity could not be conclusively identified. However, critical ranges of combined rotorwash and ambient wind velocity were identified for several types of investigated mishaps. These ranges of peak velocity generally occur between approximately 30 and 40 knots. Recommendations are provided for improvement of the rotorwash mishap reporting system and for the acquisition of experimentally obtained data which will significantly aid any future rotorwash related mishap analysis efforts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA243536

Entities

People

  • Samuel W. Ferguson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Aerodynamic Configurations
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Ground Vehicles
  • Mathematical Models
  • Observation Aircraft
  • Rotary Wing Aircraft
  • Three Dimensional
  • Tilt Rotor Aircraft
  • Tilt Wing Aircraft
  • Transport Aircraft
  • United States
  • Vertical Takeoff Aircraft

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.