Helicopter Crash Raises Concerns about Deteriorating Fleet
A tragic incident occurred two days ago when a civilian helicopter crashed into a reservoir, claiming the life of its pilot. As authorities launch an investigation into the case, many are now focusing their attention on the alarming state of the country’s helicopter fleet.
Details of the Crash
The ill-fated helicopter was observed descending rapidly as it approached the reservoir’s surface. Sadly, the sole occupant, a captain in his sixties, was found deceased following the crash. Today, after two days since the accident, the wreckage has been retrieved, revealing severe damage. The shattered window glass, folded propeller, and severed tail section were all discovered amidst the water.
The Aviation and Railways Investigation Committee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has taken charge of the damaged aircraft and has commenced their efforts to determine the cause of the crash. This investigation aims to establish whether the incident resulted from a defect in the aircraft itself or inadequate handling. Nevertheless, the absence of a black box onboard means that the investigation is expected to endure for nearly a year.
Absence of Safety Measures
According to an official from the Aviation and Railways Investigation Committee, the current legislation only mandates the installation of black boxes for vehicles weighing over 3,000 kg. As the ill-fated helicopter falls within the 2,250 kg category, it was not required to be equipped with a black box, further complicating the investigative process.
Aging Fleet Adds to Safety Concerns
The helicopter involved in the accident was an aging model that had been in service for an astonishing 43 years. While timely replacement of major components typically ensures safety, this task becomes increasingly problematic with older models that may no longer have readily available replacement parts. Experts remark that the forest firefighting helicopter that recently crashed in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do, also shared the same fate, being a 28-year-old model.
Disturbing Statistical Data
Currently, 134 helicopters are operated by 14 domestic civil aviation companies in the country. Alarmingly, the average age of these aircraft is 29 years, with seven out of ten being classified as ‘old helicopters’ exceeding 20 years of service. Experts assert that the use of aging models has become more prevalent due to efforts to reduce cost burdens, a trend that is causing significant concern.
Compensation Challenges
As autopsy findings suggest the pilot tragically drowned, he is expected to be denied compensation for sacrificing his life in the line of duty. Unfortunately, this is due to the timing of the accident, which occurred the day before the rental contract, leaving legal complications unresolved.
In conclusion, the recent helicopter crash serves as a grave reminder of the deteriorating state of the country’s helicopter fleet. With aging models and a lack of safety measures, the need for urgent action to address these concerns has become undeniable. Reporting for MBC News, this is Byun Yun-jae.
◀ Anchor ▶
Two days ago, a civilian helicopter crashed into a reservoir and the pilot died.
While the authorities have begun to investigate the case, attention is being drawn to the fact that the helicopters operating in the country are seriously deteriorating.
Reporter Byun Yun-jae covered the story.
◀ Report ▶
A helicopter approaches the surface of a reservoir and suddenly loses its center of gravity and dives.
The captain in his 60s, who was riding alone, was found dead.
Today, two days after the crash, the plane was rescued.
The window glass disappeared without a trace, and the propeller folded helplessly.
The severed part of the tail also appeared above the water.
The Aviation and Railways Investigation Committee of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which took over the broken aircraft, began to determine the cause, whether it was a defect in the aircraft or poor handling.
However, as there is no black box, the investigation is expected to take almost a year.
[국토교통부 항공철도사고조사위 관계자 (음성변조)]
″According to the Aviation Safety Act, black boxes are currently only required for vehicles over 3,000 kg, and as this is currently in the 2,250 kg class, black boxes are not currently required. ″
The accident helicopter was an old model that had been in operation for 43 years.
There are said to be no safety issues if major parts are replaced on time, but for older models, this is easier said than done.
[최연철 교수/한서대 헬리콥터조종학과]
″If parts are 40 years old, they are no longer produced. Then bring an old hand or do something else.”
The forest firefighting helicopter that crashed while transporting materials for the repair of a transmission tower in Yeongwol, Gangwon-do in March this year was the same 28-year-old model.
134 helicopters are operated by 14 domestic civil aviation companies.
The average age is 29 years, and 7 out of 10 aircraft are classified as ‘old helicopters’ and over 20 years old.
Experts point out that the use of old models is increasing as efforts are made to reduce the cost burden.
[최연철 교수/한서대 헬리콥터조종학과]
“The plane that crashed in Yangyang (last year) and this plane is very old. 40 years is 40 years… Is it appropriate for these planes to put out forest fires?”
The helicopter that crashed the day before yesterday was a model leased by Pocheon City to monitor forest fires, and it suffered damage while conducting a performance inspection.
However, the captain, who is presumed to have drowned according to the first findings of the autopsy, is expected to fail to receive compensation for his sacrifice in the line of duty as he had an accident the day before the rental contract began.
This is Byun Yun-jae from MBC News.
Video commentary: Lee Kwan-ho / Video editing: Kim Jong-un
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