Breaking the Accident Chain: HTAWS

Breaking the Accident Chain

IHST Safety WorkshopMarch 4, 2013

Agenda

• Breaking the Accident Chain Overview– FAA Case Scenario

• HTAWS Truths and Myths• HTAWS – What you need to know• Mandate Update


NTSB Accident Number: NYC05MA039


Mission: HEMS repositioning flight

Departure point: Washington Hospital Center Helipad (DC08) – Washington DC

Destination: Stafford Regional Airport (RMN)

Stafford, VA

Flight distance: 38 NM


Weather at the accident site (DCA Automated Weather Observation):

Winds calm, Visibility 10NM, Broken clouds at 13,000’ and 20,000’, Temperature 45° F, Dew point 36° F, Altimeter 30.25

**************************************************

Moon Illumination: None

Pilot Information: Commercial Pilot – ASEL, AMEL, Rotorcraft Helicopter, Instrument Helicopter

Medical: Current, Second Class

Pilot Experience: 1500 hours total time

42 hours in the last 90 days

12 hours in the last 30 days

1 hour in the last 24 hours

71 night landings total


http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=Commercial+Helicopter+Pilots+License&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=K7ECZA4eOfIfOM&tbnid=Uc1VNiNMwv7kSM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilot_certification_in_the_United_States&ei=7v4nUeG4D8L1iwKK8IHgCQ&bvm=bv.42768644,d.cGE&psig=AFQjCNE9jQreWld-0twGJEyxHJEa_NjxnQ&ust=1361662043613831


Aircraft: Eurocopter EC-135 P2

AFTT: 166.6 Hours

Maintained IAW FAA approved aircraft inspection program.

This aircraft was being flown with a properly deferred inoperative radar altimeter.


Departed DC08 @ 2304

Followed Helicopter Route 1 along the Anacostia River to Helicopter Route 4 and then flew south along the Potomac River.


“Washington tower traffic on a ten mile final is an Airbus”

POINT A


HTAWS with Traffic Display


“Roger, we have him in sight and will be out of his way”

POINT B


FATAL DESCENT

POINT C


IMPACT

POINT D


Benefits of HTAWS

Increase Situational Awareness by:• Provides a display showing surrounding

terrain, airports.• Provides a display of obstacles (not all

HTAWS display transmission lines).• Provides a display of nearby traffic.• Provides altitude awareness through the

use of altitude callouts and GPWS alerts.

Summary:

The best trained pilot can’t see everything. HTAWS contributes to situational awareness by helping the pilot to avoid dangers he may not see when he looks outside.


Issues and Options

• Issues– Nuisance Alerts –

Pilots turn the system off

– Certification – what is required?

– Installation– Safety vs. Budget– Liability in waiting

to comply

Options– Wire Database– 3 arc data vs. 6

arc data– Radar Altimeter – Traffic Display– Display options– NVIS

Certified HTAWS Options

What to ask before you purchase

• What companies/OEM are using the manufacture’s HTAWS and what have been the results?

• How does the HTAWS system qualify for certification, technically?

• What is the cost of waiting to install– Liability– Availability and time limits– Certification headache – waste time and money

FAA Mandate UpdateMilestone Originally

ScheduledDate

New Projected

Date

ActualDate

To OST 1/04/2012 4/03/2012 4/03/2012

To OMB 2/06/2012 12/14/2012

OMB Clearance

5/03/2012 3/15/2013

Publication Date

5/21/2012 3/29/2013

A special thanks to our sponsors!

Afternoon Break

Business

Breaking the Accident Chain: HTAWS