VA-1X, G-EVTL, Suffered Damage To Right Wing, Fuselage, Landing Gear And Engine Pylon

The AAIB has disclosed its findings after an accident befell an unmanned, remotely pilots test vehicle which suffered a forced landing following power unit failure, at the Cotswold Airport (Kemble), Gloucestershire on 9 August 2023. The report notes that, "The aircraft was being flown by a remote pilot on a test flight at 30 ft agl when a propeller blade detached from the electric propulsion unit 3 forward motor due to a failure of the adhesive bond between the propeller blade sheath and spar. Large out-of-balance loads generated by the blade release caused structural failure of the right inboard pylon, resulting in damage to the aircraft’s wiring harnesses. This caused a loss of thrust from motors 4 and 7..." 

Accident Pilot Was New To The Company, And He And The Chief Pilot Were Practicing Quick Stop Maneuvers

Analysis: The accident pilot was new to the company, and he and the chief pilot were practicing quick stop maneuvers in the helicopter. The pilots reported that while performing a quick stop maneuver over a taxiway, they heard a noise before the nose of the helicopter began turning right and the skids touched down. Postaccident examination of the helicopter by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that its horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged. 

Former KY Air Ambulance Helo Pilot Sentenced for Operating Aircraft Under the Influence of Alcohol

There are lines you just don't cross in this business -- and operating a complex machine like a MedEvac helicopter, 'Under the influence' has to be darned near top of the list. On April 12, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky sentenced Morgan J. Wiljanen, former helicopter pilot for Air Evac EMS, Inc., to 8 months of incarceration, 18 months of supervised release, 4 months of home detention, and a $100 special assessment. In December 2023, Wiljanen pleaded guilty to operating an air common carrier while under the influence of alcohol. 

Enstrom Is Now Seeking Additional Approvals From The UK CAA

Enstrom reports that it will be able to better care for its European customers with its recent repair station validation by the EASA. This validation certifies that Enstrom repair station processes are in full compliance with the latest EASA requirements. Enstrom’s state-of-the-art repair station (EASA.145.8090) operates within its Menominee, MI factory. It will now provide European Union customers with helicopter maintenance, damage repairs, upgrades, and component overhauls, all at the hands of Enstrom’s premier repair experts.

 

 

The Judge overseeing Icon's convoluted Chapter 11 process has approved $9 million in Chapter 11 financing and set a June asset auction for the Icon A5 Program -- and said that objections had apparently been resolved (for the moment) by shareholders who claimed (not surprisingly) that Icon was being sold to an 'insider.' Judge Craig T. Goldblatt gave final approval to Icon's (DIP) debtor-in-possession financing and approved the sales schedule... but has yet to approve that previously disclosed stalking horse bidder. On April 12, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky sentenced Morgan J. Wiljanen, former helicopter pilot for Air Evac EMS, Inc., to 8 months of incarceration, 18 months of supervised release, 4 months of home detention, and a $100 special assessment. In December 2023, Wiljanen pleaded guilty to operating an

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