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| Navy fliers grounded after dipping Blackhawks into Lake Tahoe |
| 2010-09-26 |
| Rewritten for safety purposes Two unidentified US Navy helicopter pilots from North Island Naval Air Station, California have been grounded because of a stunt that was filmed on Lake Tahoe. Phone camera footage taken Sept. 14 show both naval MH-60 helicopters hitting the water, while one appears to plunge into the lake before recovering. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that a US Navy spokesman confirmed video was that of two US Navy helicopters. The amount of damage done to the birds was unconfirmed. |
| Posted by:gromky |
| #7 The event looks a lot like settling with power or a low rotor event. In either event it was avoidable. They were not supposed to be there, hovering at altitudes they were not briefed for. In short they were out fu%king around and screwed up. These guys are lucky they did not end up swimming. Let alone what the state of CA would do for polluting their only somewhat clear lake. It is safe to say these four pilots are done as far as any career goes. |
| Posted by: 49 Pan 2010-09-26 21:50 |
| #6 Well, if the Navy doesn't want the Navy Pilot for his submarine rescue talents, Redbull will hire him. |
| Posted by: Jiggs Speash3077 2010-09-26 12:51 |
| #5 Left-seater Statement of Charges. Sign right here (or not) no problem. Flight pay will seem a bit light on your LES for the next few months as will your FITREP. Enjoy your assignment in the non-flying personnel section. :-) |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2010-09-26 12:41 |
| #4 trouble was, they weren't supposed to be anywhere near Lake Tahoe. They were at Mather Air Base (for an air show) near Sacramento, and flying to Lemoore. That path doesn't go near Tahoe. Also: The damage suffered by the two aircraft is estimated at between $50,000 and $500,000. They had to land at Lake Tahoe Airport to be repaired. I'm all for flyboy fun, but they f*cked up. |
| Posted by: Frank G 2010-09-26 12:36 |
| #3 Hello #1&2, I agree. A former helicopter pilot said it appeared the one lost control and to recover using the water for resistance for lift. Remember Saddam's equipment and operator issues. Show and look strong but don't push the equipment. I can hear waxman (yes henry weasel)now. These pilot's are skilled. Helicopters are complex, expensive and a tool to be used. |
| Posted by: Dale 2010-09-26 12:21 |
| #2 Yeah, we wuz practicing our SEAL team insertion/extraction...stuff. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2010-09-26 11:31 |
| #1 Hand-wringing whiny ... Gads! I used to work with an old TB pilot (WWII) who would tell me how they would drag their tailhooks in the ocean just for fun. And for the waddling TB's that was something. (This after me telling him about helicopter ground effect pranks vs. hills in RVN). Military pilots, including helicopter pilots, all have jobs requiring guts, and have varying degrees of need to demonstrate their elan and skill, usually to one another. Sounds like another Navy brass cf coming down the road. I can only hope for a dressing down being the end of it. |
| Posted by: Whiskey Mike 2010-09-26 11:27 |