Accident Westland Gazelle AH1 XW896,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 65061
 
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Date:Friday 11 June 1982
Time:
Type:Silhouette image of generic GAZL model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Westland Gazelle AH1
Owner/operator:British Army Air Corps (AAC)
Registration: XW896
MSN: 1177
Fatalities:Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 3
Aircraft damage: Destroyed
Location:Suffield, AB -   Canada
Phase: En route
Nature:Military
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Narrative:
Flew into terrain on BATUS training area and caught fire.
It is believed that the accident occurred when the pilot thought he was aiming for the crest of one hill, but due to a low setting sun and the 'flat' (i.e. featureless) undulating nature of the ground, he didn't see a closer hill.
It is believed that the pilot took avoiding action, insofar as 'pulling' maximum collective pitch, pitched the nose up and applied right bank, but too late.
The helicopter was believe to be traveling at approximately 116 knots at time of impact (calculated taking in rotor strike witness marks, pitch setting witness marks on the remains of the collective quadrant, altitude and met conditions)
I was the aircrewman (Observer) in this accident, although I was seated in the rear left seat for this 'none tactical transit'. The passenger, a Padre, was the fatality in this accident having been hit by the aircraft battery, he had been occupying the front left hand seat.
Myself and the pilot received multiple injuries, both spending many months in Hospital and rehab.

Sources:

http://www.ukserials.com/losses-1982.htm

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
06-Sep-2011 04:58 Dr. John Smith Updated [Cn, Total fatalities, Total occupants, Other fatalities, Location, Country, Phase, Source, Narrative]
18-Jul-2012 22:00 Gavin Rose Updated [Total occupants, Source, Narrative]
19-Jul-2012 01:48 Gavin Rose Updated [Narrative]
13-Mar-2013 15:48 TB Updated [Aircraft type, Operator, Location, Source, Narrative]

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