Inadvertent VFR flight into IMC weather and the resulting fatal accidents are not simply a problem for aircraft pilots, but also for those flying helicopters. In a news release, the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) said, “Between 2000 to 2019 in the US, there were 130 fatal accidents directly linked to the issue of spatial disorientation. These accidents occurred regardless of pilot experience and they cut across all industries, including emergency medical services, law enforcement, tour operations, utility flights, corporate flying and personal/private flights.”
US Helicopter Safety Team Issues Blueprint to Prevent VFR Into IMC and Spatial Disorientation
Key Takeaways:
- Inadvertent VFR flight into IMC and resulting spatial disorientation are significant causes of fatal helicopter accidents, responsible for 130 fatalities in the U.S. between 2000 and 2019.
- These accidents often stem from failed planning, lack of understanding, or poor decision-making, despite pilots having options to avoid or react to deteriorating weather.
- The US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) has released a new Recommended Practices document on "Spatial Disorientation Induced by a Degraded Visual Environment" to provide a framework for future training and decision-making solutions.
- The document focuses on IIMC avoidance, comprehensive preflight planning, in-aircraft training simulating low visibility, and recovery techniques involving a commitment to instruments.
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