Originally published at: Second Helicopter Touched Water Before Deadly Catalina Accident
Another medical helicopter reportedly contacted the water moments before a separate flight crashed, killing three people.
I see the helo that just touched was using NVGs. Haven’t seen anything on whether the accident pilot was. Anyone know what it’s like using NVGs in those conditions?
Calm water is a hazard for seaplanes landing - very difficult to judge height, but this help was taking off.
I presume helo had radalt but it has to be monitored.
Article says pilot noticed helo had descended to 75 feet but contacted water - must have continued to descend for some reason.
CBS News article Avweb links to covers both visibility with NGVs and descent.