Safety Notice SN023- Rotor Blade Icing
SAFETY NOTICE SN023 August 29, 2018
ROTOR BLADE ICING
As everyone knows, the Safari factory is in Florida, so we were thoroughly shocked to see icicles hanging off the blades of a Safari.
At an OAT of 42° F, Bobby took off with a potential customer who had traveled some distance to see the helicopter and experience a ride in the Safari. They took off in a very fine mist, and flew at low altitude approximately 200 yards, climbing to less than 100 feet.
The rotor speed began to degrade, and Bobby turned back and then set the helicopter down rather abruptly. When stopped, there was 1/4″ of ice on the leading edge of the blades and the blade tape was destroyed. By the time it got into the shop from the outside, there were icicles on the blades.
The potential customer exited the helicopter and hasn’t been seen since.
We are sharing this information so you won’t make the same mistake that we made here. Even if the OAT is above the freezing point, moisture in the air will freeze when moved at the speed of rotor blades. In cold, dry weather the Safari will perform as expected. After all, it was developed in the far north. In cold, damp weather BEWARE!