Executive summary
This report relates to a loss of control due to the ingestion of a foreign object by the rotor of Westland Wasp NZ3094 at Taupo Aerodrome on 20 November 1992. The safety issues discussed in the report are the improvement of facilities and inspections at Taupo Airport to enhance the safety of helicopter operations. Certification of Aerodromes by the Civil Aviation Authority, CAA advice to aerodrome operators, the promulgation of information on legislation relating to civil aerodromes to military pilots and the inspection of civil aerodromes by military flight safety teams.
Related Recommendations
The Authority issue an Advisory Circular to bring to the attention of aerodrome operators, matters pertaining to helicopter operations that they ought to consider in preparing expositions.
Safety inspections performed by the Authority should take account of hazards to helicopters as well as to aeroplanes.
In accepting the expositions required of aerodrome operators whose aerodromes are being certificated under Part 139, you: • Ensure that these take account of helicopter operations, whenever these form a significant part of the total traffic. • Ensure that helicopter operating areas are designated, when helicopter operations form a significant part of the total traffic. • Ensure that the expositions deal with the factors to be considered in long-term planning.
Promulgate to aircraft commanders the ramifications of legislation pertaining to civil aerodromes.
Consider sending Flight Safety teams to civil aerodromes from which you intend to operate.