Astar Hydraulics Failure In Phoenix

[ABQ Approach]

Anybody have the details on the recent hydraulics failure and resulting crash in Phoenix. Apparently it was an EMS aircraft. Good news was that all survived.

 

[MagSeal]

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/110...copter-ON1.html

 

[Nomex]

MagSeal - Not having flown the B3, what is the difference in hydraulic systems between it and the other 350 models?

 

[407 Driver]

MAG, does the B3 use the same grey 355 M/R blades as the BA, B1, B2?
Given a similar internal AUW to a B2, are the control forces with HYD off similar?

 

[4961]

The B3 has a different blade SN that can be used on the B2. Our B2 has B3 blades on it, but original 355 blades can't (as I understand) be used on the B3.

 

[MagSeal]

the hydraulics use a new style belt on the B3, but no other differences that I know of. The 130 is where the big differences are.
407, I'm not up to speed on the blades, I'll ask the blade guy tommorrow and if there is anything different, I'll let you know.

 

[ABQ Approach]

Thanks for the link MagSeal. Lets hope it's the last time. Yeah Right!

 

[MagSeal]

I didn't have alot of time to quiz the blade guy, all i managed to get from him was there are more plies to the composite structure in a B3 blade, and the size is unaffected by the extra layers. Maybe if I'm not so busy, and he's not so busy, we'll do lunch and let you know more.

 

[407 Driver]

So similar aerodynamics, but heavier blade, non interchangeable with a B2?
How is a B3 without HYD assist? Is there anyone out there than can compare the B3 to a B2?