A U.S. Army UH-1 Huey helicopter survived the perils of Vietnam but came to a disastrous end in West Virginia. The 1962 helicopter crashed after its engine failed, killing the pilot and five passengers.

The 2022 crash happened during an annual event that offers visitors an opportunity to fly either as passengers or as a second pilot. This helicopter was a warbird--a former military aircraft operating as a civil aircraft. It was operated under a special airworthiness certificate in the experimental category.

Although the pilot in command had flown this same helicopter at the annual event in the previous two years, he had logged only 21 hours of flying experience in that helicopter. One of the five passengers was a helicopter pilot who had paid to operate the helicopter during the flight. 

About 15 minutes into the flight, the engine failed. The helicopter struck power lines and a rock face before crashing and catching fire. The NTSB could not determine if the pilot in command or the helicopter-rated passenger attempted the emergency landing.

Despite the number of people killed in warbird crashes, it is unlikely the FAA will make major changes in how it oversees operators of these types of flights because of the relatively small number of operators. John and Todd share thoughts on what these operators can do to ensure safety.

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Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8