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 (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) and resulting spatial disorientation are significant causes of fatal helicopter accidents, responsible for 130 fatalities in the US between 2000-2019.
- These accidents often stem from failed planning, lack of understanding, or poor decision-making, despite pilots having options to avoid or exit deteriorating weather conditions.
- In response, the US Helicopter Safety Team (USHST) has developed new Recommended Practices focusing on "Spatial Disorientation Induced by a Degraded Visual Environment" to shift how the industry discusses, trains for, and reacts to such conditions.
- The recommendations emphasize improved preflight planning, enroute decision processes, in-aircraft training simulating a lack of visibility, and training on recovery techniques by committing to instruments.
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