Dear Editor,
In a letter to the Editor on the subject of the recent tragic GDF helicopter accident (S.N 18.12.23) Colin Haynes MPH MBA exhibited gross negligence when he stated “It is known that this machine was not brand-new equipment…” Not only was the machine brand new, but it was purchased directly from the manufacturer and commissioned in July 2023. “it is known” These three words should not be followed by patently false information, it is a cardinal sin, if you do not know, you can ask; to boldly declare ignorance as ‘fact’ in commentary on an incident where five men lost their lives is unpardonable. Haynes also blunders when he (inadvertently?) puts Bell out of the helicopter manufacturing business, “At the center of this debate and investigation is the fitness of the helicopter for such a mission, noteworthy that Bell helicopters have been in existence for over 40 years and is now being phased out for more sophisticated and equipped choppers”. Far from being phased out, Bell is a vibrant player in the chopper industry and the ‘mission’ was a fairly routine flight. For edification, the Bell 412 EPI is a 2014 upgrade on the 412 and, is in high demand.
The Bell 412 EPI upgrades include a rugged airframe built with safety in mind; a modified tailboom that provides optimizing airflow, and improves handling, safety, and lift; rupture-resistant fuel cells, collectively mounted throttles as well as rollover bulkheads; single-pilot instrumental flight rule (IFR) capability; Bell BasiX ProTM intergraded glass flight deck. Four 10.4-inch high-resolution LCD primary or multi-function display units are provided for vital flight information including electronic flight instrumentation system (EFS), engine-indicating and crew-alerting system (EICAS), and other systems. Other features include Garmin GTN-750 WAAS GPS navigation with touch screen controls, terrain data displays, critical flight information, terrain avoidance warning system (H-TAWS), and power situation indicator. The avionics suite also includes rubber-band flight planning, high-resolution digital maps, and electronic charts. It features approach plates, a transponder for automatic dependence surveillance-broadcast, and XM satellite links.
The new helicopter is powered by a PT6T-9 Twin Pac engine manufactured by Pratt & Whitney. The engine is designed to provide 1,410 lbs of payload capacity. It provides 15% additional horsepower compared to the previous version of the Bell 412EP helicopter. It is equipped with digital electronic engine control (EEC). The helicopter flies at a maximum speed of 226kph (122kts). It has a range of 358nm (663km) and a maximum endurance of 3.6 hours. The maximum useful load is 2,239kg, and the maximum cargo hook limit is 2,041kg. The service ceiling and hover ceiling are 5,017m and 3,444m respectively. (https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/bell-421epi-helicopter/) There is an accident investigation underway, is it too much to ask that we refrain from uninformed speculation? I have no doubt there will be much to say once that Report is finalized.
Sincerely,
Robin Singh
