CH-53E California Crash

[GeeBee]

I have been watching this crash since first reported. I really question the decision to dispatch a helicopter into the conditions at the time including significant icing threat. I realize the military has to train to "the edge" but looking at the conditions this was well over the edge. Ops officer should have stopped this mission as it was beyond the needs and requirements of the service.

 

[DCarlton]

2 hours ago, GeeBee said:

I have been watching this crash since first reported. I really question the decision to dispatch a helicopter into the conditions at the time including significant icing threat. I realize the military has to train to "the edge" but looking at the conditions this was well over the edge. Ops officer should have stopped this mission as it was beyond the needs and requirements of the service.

 

Those mountains have claimed a few aircraft over the years; high winds, insufficient climb performance.  Haven't read the latest.  Did they just fly into the mountain or get caught up in the high winds and perhaps icing over the top? 

[GeeBee]

The icing forecast was pretty grim, but it is not clear that is what brought down this helicopter. I for sure would not want to fly that route at those altitudes in those conditions in any aircraft.

[N201MKTurbo]

I was next to a CH 53 while it was refueling in KIPL about 2 years ago. That is a massive flying machine. 
 

Does anybody know if they were on an IFR flight plan? Or were they trying to pick their way through there VFR? Helicopters are weird that way.

I have flown through there many times. Both IFR and VFR. You have to descend quite rapidly either way and you are always close to the ground.

[DCarlton]

17 hours ago, GeeBee said:

The icing forecast was pretty grim, but it is not clear that is what brought down this helicopter. I for sure would not want to fly that route at those altitudes in those conditions in any aircraft.

I've flown over those mountains as a passenger in a CH53 at 10,500 feet.  That's usually enough for those mountains but they are a massive lumbering beast.  I vividly remember the speed and altitude because the 53 pilot was straight and level the entire flight unlike the 46's which were often down in the weeds.