60 Minutes Story

[red750]

A story on 60 Minutes tonight about the number of fatalities in accidents which should have been survivable in Robinson R44 helicopters because of their non-compliant fuel tanks, and the failure of CASA and Robinson to accept responsibility. According to 60 Minutes and a US aviation accident lawyer, there have been 34 accidents in R44's killing 78 people, because the standard fuel tank fails the 15 mt drop survivability test. Although bladders tanks are now compulsory, the manufacturer refuses to accept the cost and customers are required to pay an additional $13,000 to fit the bladder tank. They also stated that the R22 suffers the same problem. Robinson's response was that passengers should wear fireproof suits and head protection.

 

.