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
