|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Fatal helicopter crash |
Article by
Haakon Kjole  33 /
Published 24 Jan 2002, 09:20
|
|
On Friday the 18th of January 1985 during filming of the Airwolf-episode 'Natural Born', one of the Bell 205 Huey helicopters seen in that episode crashed - killing famed stuntman Reid Rondell. Reid came from a long line of stuntmen - he was third generation.
|
 |
| FATAL CRASH: Wrecked parts of BELL 205A fatal-crash in episode "Natural Born". Photo: airwolf.org |
| |
It was a Jetcopters pilot named Scott who was piloting the Huey the day of the one and only heli-crash during filming of the Airwolf-series. David Jones entered the burning helicopter and got Scott out, but Reid was pinned under the engine and unconcious. He died in the fire.
Below is an excerpt from the NTSB:
NTSB Identification: LAX85FA115 For details, refer to NTSB microfiche number 27331A
Accident occurred JAN-18-85 at NEWHALL, CA
Aircraft: BELL 205A-1, registration: N830V
Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious.
THIS HELICOPTER COLLIDED WITH HILLY TERRAIN WHILE CIRCLING AT A LOW ALTITUDE. IT WAS FOLLOWING ANOTHER HELICOPTER IN A CLOCKWISE CIRCULAR PATTERN AT THE TIME, AND BEING FILMED FOR THE T.V. SERIES "AIRWOLF". ONE WITNESS OBSERVED THE HELICOPTER DECENDING IN THE FINAL TURN, INSTEAD OF LEVELING OFF, UNTIL IT WAS VERY CLOSE TO THE GROUND. AS IT APPROACHED A SMALL KNOLL GROUND CONTACT OCCURRED. THE ENGINE WAS HEARD RUNNING FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER IMPACT. POST IMPACT FIRE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH OF THE PASSENGER.
Probable Cause
Visual lookout..Inadequate..Pilot in command
Contributing Factors
Terrain condition..Mountainous/hilly
Like most Incidents, Something that was preventable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
