Jeff Zimmernan took this amazing photo of helicopter 205ww after it make a hard landing on the Blackburn Canyon fire near Tehachapi, California September 4, 2011. Jeff said the pilot was making water drops and had to release the bucket, then auto rotated to a hard landing. You can see that the skids flattened out as designed. Paramedics took the pilot to a hospital.
We wish the best for the pilot. And thanks, Jeff, for the photo.
This aircraft was flying as Sequoia Forest Helicopter 522, out of the Peppermint Helibase in Sequoia National Forest at the time.
It can be seen here at the fire that destroyed the historical Needles Fire Lookout. http://www.buckrock.org/nb3sm.jpg
Great Photo. I was told that the pilot is alright and that the Tail Rotor gearbox failed. The FAA and NTSB are still investigating this, so I’m sure we will be getting more information as the investigation wraps up.
Thanks for the good news about the pilot, Matt. Wow, if the tail rotor was not functioning, it must have been an adventure getting the helicopter on the ground in one piece. I wonder if it spun around as it descended? When Igor Sikorsky designed his first helicopter, he did not include a tail rotor. His first test flight was in a hanger. He lifted off, spun around, and set it back down. Then went back to the drawing board (they actually had them then) and added a tail rotor.
Just wanted to say thanks for the awesome magazine, since I’ve been reading I’ve learned a lot. I’m not trying to get my pics out , I’m just giving it from the heart. RFPs
Really Great picture, Thanks, I really like the magazine. Just reading from your mag, I’ve learned a lot. RFPs