Helicopter loop ends with tragedy

[IslandBoy77]

QUOTE (cowpatz @ Aug 21 2010, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you look at the last 1/3 of the loop the heli maintains a vertical down line for some time

Yes, I noticed that too. A shame for him and his family that whatever he was trying to achieve cost him his life... It might have been unwise, but I'm certain he had no intention of killing himself in the process. And I agree - it's unlikely that insurance (for the chopper) will be paid out.

[chopper_nut]

Any helicopter can do a loop or inverted manoeuvre IF you can maintain +1G throughout. Semi rigid rotor heads allow for large degree of flapping which under low g conditions can lead to mast bumping and carburetted engines will cut out. The H500 RFM states that aerobatic manoeuvres are prohibited. You can loop a 500 and most people are aware or have seen this. The blades on a 500 are joined together with 'packing straps' thin steel strips going from blade to blade. During high or excessivly low g flight, these can break.