Top 2 Reasons WHY HELICOPTERS CRASH 

Given the Kobe tragedy you'll have a greater appreciation when you're delayed at the airport due to weather.

Again a very instructive video. I have lost 4 (very experienced) close friends over the last 10 years due to flying helicopters into hillsides in bad visibility, 2 of them were fully IFR rated, it nearly happened to me years ago but was fortunate to be going slow enough to land in a quarry on the side of the hill and leave the helicopter there and later rescued by my wife, it took 3 days for fog to disappear to collect helicopter. I am now 62 years old, been in the industry all my life and the crashes into hills and wires will never cease.

Tastefully done. Part of the reason I watch your channel. You’re a stand up guy and used this as a teaching situation. Thank you.

Your comments on “why helicopters crash” and related causes is very much appreciated over hours of speculation by news reporters. Thank you

Was hoping you would talk about this event. I've heard a few pilots discuss recently but yours really stands out much like your other great content. Thanks and happy safe flying.

Thank you for this. You are really a great instructor and compassionate human being.

A pilot has to have the courage to save his and his passengers lives. Fatal accidents, usually, are a chain of events that can have its initial decision taken as early as the day or days before. Decision making is a chain of choices and the outcome is as strong as the weakest decision.

In the fire/ems service we have a saying... "When in doubt, DON'T" ... Saying applies to all you could say. With aircraft taking off is optional, landing is mandatory. Very nice vid Sir thank you!

Thank you for your genuine and tasteful explanation as to this situation. This has affected millions of people and you honored the crash victims with a detailed explanation of possible causes without faulting the pilot out right. I'm sure the pilot had his hands full and the stress must have been unimaginable. RIP All !

You were the first one I wanted to hear talk about all this. Thanks for posting so quickly!

Thank you for taking the time for the explanation!

You've done a great job of explaining this situation. I give you a lot of credit for your ability to speak so that we can all understand.

Thank you for that information keep up the great work you do be safe out there.

Brave video, Mischa. Tough time for all. Appreciate your opinion. When I was an engineer in the Merchant Marines, similar to your PDM I came up with operator error or operator errorgance. When the schools sent the apprentices to our ships I liked to stress to them not to let your ego make bad decisions. Thanks.

Thanks again for the very good explanation. Makes a lot of sense to me. Thank you! 🙏

Thanks for posting. Very well Explained. Sad for the families...

Great explanation Mischa for everyone not only for Pilots. Thank you and always happy landings. Stay safe out there.

Great Explanation Sir 🙏🏽

Great video sir. Thanks for posting.

Very well done. Very well spoken. It’s legit information that’s separate from the speculation from the news. Keep this up my friend!

Very-very good observation and advice! Thanks for sharing with us your expérience and knowledge, which help us to make right travelling decisions on land and in the air.

I live just south of the Accident and it Was VERY VERY Foggy with ZERO Visibility. Very very sad indeed.

Thanks for posting this. The fog in LA has been very compact for the weekend. I feel weather was a cause. You've given me some hope with your video. I hope to fly one day.

You are a great teacher 💫, thank you 💓👏🏾

Thanks for the post. Very true

Well Done. Excellent Explanation and Advice...

Man what a great insight into how difficult those decisions are!

You seem like a very stand up guy, thank you for explaining things to us as to get a better understanding of things. Like you said, we'll never really know. Take care

Very respectful, this has touched the world and totally right not to speculate, but also right to emphasise the importance of decision making I have been taught if there is any doubt there is no doubt RIP and condolences at this very sad time.

Thank you for a thorough explanation and tactful opinions. US basic VFR separation requirements are 3 smfv and 500’ below/1000’ above/2000’ horizontal cloud clearance. Special VFR for helicopters carrying passengers for hire allows for no less than 1/2 mile visibility and clear of clouds.

I live near the Kobe accident site. They were following the 101 freeway which rises to go through a low point in the mountains. Higher ground on both sides of the road. As they progressed the road was steadily going up fairly slowly but at the speed of the aircraft it would happen fast. Thousand Oaks is definitely in the clouds often while Los Angeles is possible to Scud run. Continuing along the 101 leads you over a much taller mountain right at the city of Thousand Oaks so you are in the foothills right at the bast of a mountain and at a much higher ground altitude. A very foolish attempt driven by “get there itis” and the pressure to accommodate the high end customer. Rodney Pilot for 40 years

Great timing .... I was just wondering about your thoughts on the recent events with respect to Kobe Bryant's helicopter. Well done. Keep up the great work.

One of your best videos!!

"Mr Bryant sir , I'm afraid we are going to have to turn around and arrange ground transportation . Please accept my apologies .

Nice job!! Well said.

Really nice view and music choice thank you for this video!!

I was Soo waiting for this Misha. I'm not a helicopter pilot, I'm a Dad. My son will be flying helicopters for the us Navy soon. We live in Los Angeles . We love Kobe we love helicopters and TBH we love this channel for a long time now. This one just hit way too close to home. Thank you Misha and R.I.P Kobe Bryant.

Great video thanks for sharing.

I totally admire and respect this flight instructor!! He was asked by many followers to talk about kobes tragic and sad accident.This man is a well known respected admired CFI.one of the best,extremely knowledgeable and his comment about the accident was all about how sad it was.condolences and prayers to everybody's family involved.then basic facts about why helicopters crash..did not jump into any conclusion or assumptions..on the other side you got all these other channels with people that are not truly qualified, they are not even pilots and probably just flight simulator gamers making all kind of stories and analyzing why,where,and how not truly knowing what they talking about.thank you for another great video!

You just got a GREAT shout out from Blancolirio for your channel and the VFR into IMC conditions. Congrats.

Thank You for this video! We're all still so shaken and stunned. This helps us to somewhat close the chapter. Unfortunately, it does seem like the fog and pilot human error played a major role in this unthinkable tragedy. So sad for all families involved. I always wanted to get my pilot's license one day. Times like these make me consider the whole picture...Again Thank You.

Great video and explanation. Hopefully it can save lives.

Good advice about forcing yourself to make the right decision even when it’s difficult 👌🏾💯

Good video, good sentiment. Kobe was an amazing basketball player and great father.

I always enjoy your exceptional videos as a aviation enthusiast. I am no longer a pilot because of age and lack of a FAA medical. However, it doesn't slow my love of flying I just now enjoy it surreptitiously through others. It is not a criticism because as I said your videos are exceptional but try to ditch the term "OK". I do it at times myself. Keep up the good work.

THANK YOU FOR THE INTELLIGENT LOGICAL EXPLANATION.

Your an Awesome instructor and thanks for sharing, i to was interested to see what You thought about that accident.

Thank you this was so informative!! from Hawaii 🙌🏽✨🤙🏽😌

Literally, just begun. Thankyou

I'm glad you talked about this.

According to Kurt Deetz, Kobe's former pilot, He stated that Ara was certified to fly IFR but the company he worked for only flew VFR. Who knows what it will come down too

Well presented. Needs to be talked about in hopes of preventing another tragedy.

"...its always preferable to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than in the air wishing you were on ground.."

Good video at a hard time. May everybody on this helicopter rest in piece

Thanks Mischa. Fly safe!

Thanks for this fantastic video! Greetings from Austria :)

Appreciate the education!

Couple of comments. As a non-Helicopter pilot, I like your analogy using a car explaining pressures - really made me think about my own decision making. Secondly, appreciate you acknowledging there were other people who died in this crash. Media is so focused on Kobe, but what about the other poor souls? Tragic all round.

I don't care how many hours you have flying a helicopter, a plane, or even driving a car, because the fact is people will make mistakes. Most air disasters, or auto accidents are not mechanical. The problem lies between two ears. Poor decision making! Why did he choose to fly SVFR in a hilly area without TAWS? Crazy!!!

Thank-you for your comments on this!

Always on point

Thank you PY. I ALWAYS hired two pilots for my Navaho. CRM, crew resource management is a valuable tool. Especially when PIC's feel they can do no wrong. Also, having two or more qualified pilots on board reduces risk when under task saturated events like inadvertant VFR to IMC. So tragic and so sad.

Great video! Kobe was a type of guy doesn't want to be late. For them circling around ( running late ) with his sense of feeling or pressure knowing being paid good $. The word -Late- was the cause that I assumed. Being Rush.

CFIT'' ugh happens way to often Great respectful video

Well said aviation thoughts at a difficult time to say them, helicopters are amazing, there is risk in all methods of transportation, and we have to cherish and enjoy each and every day. Fly safe out there.

Delivered well and on point. Good ADM is a life saver.

I knew i could count on you to upload something today after the news of Kobe

In 1991, I lost four shipmates in an aircraft mishap. They were in a U.S. Navy Helicopter (H-2). Sometimes nothing goes right... Always a shame. I still love rotary flight, and love your channel. Thank you!

Thank you sir.

I agree, Pilots are faced with making Extra Critical decisions in both unfamiliar territory and in unexpected weather conditions. Additionally, Pilots should always have a backup plan, especially when flying VFR. Great Points! I admire your advice especially making 'Safety First', a Priority when flying. Thumbs UP!

Very sad , thanks for sharing your thoughts, sure seems to lean towards pilot error in decision making in

Thanks for making a video, was wondering about your opinion

The pilot was flying very low, under the clouds, trying to follow Hwy 101 and at some point, as he entered the rising canyon terrain, the fog closed around him. He realized he was in the white room with looming terrain all around and had to start making plans to get out (rapid ascent, with little forward speed, which can be very disorienting). At that point, he would have had a lot on his plate. Which way can I turn? Where were the mountains? Where can I get out of here? Can I land anywhere? Etc... Now, throw in a transition from looking outside to nothing but instruments (he was IFR rated, instructor in fact, though I am not sure how current), because there is nothing at all but white, out the windows. Crap, was I turning? Climbing? Which heading am I looking for? How fast do I need to climb? Now, add in that there's kids and a VIP in the back. Don't let them know you're worried. Oh no, we're rolling... Get There Syndrome is preventable, especially with the landing options a helicopter has, but all too common. Needless tragedy.

Great video I just subscribed I have learned so much about flying in the past week doing all this research. If you don't mind me asking were the passengers on this flight able to use their cell phones to text etc? I haven't heard this mentioned by anyone yet and would be curious if any of the passengers were sending texts indicating they were scared or in a hurry etc

Well said. Like your videos

I'm not a pilot, I've watched many videos on plane/helicopter crashes. I would think having something like a plumb bob hanging in the cabin would help in seeing the orientation of your craft. Only needs to be 6 to 10 inches long. By its position one could see all angles, this could be of help when instruments fail too.

I flew into clouds in a R-22. I just looked at the instruments and lowered the collative until I was out of the clouds. It seemed to take forever. Fly and learn.

Great video, very well stated and you've made some excellent points. It is all too easy to forget how difficult some of these decisions are to make. Pilots who flew Kobe in the past certainly didn't indicate he would ever push them to make a poor decision, however sometimes the commercial pressures are enough to push a pilot to make a poor decision, no matter how experienced they are. It certainly seems like it would have been a good day to have stayed on the ground and not taken to the air.

Well said sir

I've been flying in helicopters for a while and when we have bad weather come at us we just land at the spot and wait our to get better, that is the advantage of helicopter

Good review. Another issue is the minimum safe altitude you are allowed to fly under Instrument Flight Rules. If the pilot was trying to maintain VMC he was a several thousand feet below the minimum IFR altitude for that area.

The spirit of your video is education and the love of flying. I believe that your points are not aimed at blaming Kobe's pilot. One discussion I'm interested in, is hearing stories from charter/private pilots, and the pressure to perform. Do pilots feel a pressure from the VIP or the company(s) they work for to be a hero, or brave, or super talented pilot? Have you ever heard of a pilot getting fired for standing firm on behalf of safety? Have you ever heard of a pilot being accused of incompetence, or lacking skill, because he refused to take a risk? Many pilots come from the military too. There is a particular kind of risk taking involved with the military. I'd like to hear these stories too.

These external factors seem so dumb after a crash, yet so pressing when in the situation. Once I took some friends flying and told them we would checkout a special place 45 minutes away. 35kts head wind decided it would be way longer and fuel was low. Low for my minimums(always land with 1 hour of fuel). I felt kind of stupid having to turn around and tell them even though we could physically do it we wouldn't because of my minimums. And I really pondered breaching my minimums :o Turns out people are smart and they just trusted me. They were just happy to see the world from above and the external factor was me imagining their reaction. We had a blast :) Just say no to external forces and set/keep your minimums :D

Hey Mischa, I totally agree with you about pilot decision making. It's critical! Most air disasters are due to pilot error, and not mechanical related. It's the same with auto accidents. People simply being knuckleheads!

Great videos Mischa.. you’re amazing! Both those causes seem somewhat avoidable. And they say 80% of helicopter crashes are pilot error. Could you please do a video on birdstrikes?

Thank you for clarifying this. I don't fly but want to. This really good info. It's sad people have to die to make changes.

This man just hit the nail on the head and said the thing that is needing to be both said and educated into the minds of pilots (of all vehicles; of all institutions: personal responsibility and possessing the courage to do the right thing in the right moment, despite all external pressures. Such a quality is leadership in the face of and despite all antagonistic forces, and it is the single rarest quality in human beings across the world.

You have a calming voice brother

Great video

I don't drive when there is ice on the roads, and pilots should not fly VFR when they can't see where the hell they're going. It's just that simple!

Well said bud!! 👍

Thank you. I wish I could learn to fly with you as an instructor.

Excellent video. A lot of people don't understand that helicopters operating IFR can't land everywhere.

Nice landscape behind you!

I lost my cousin in Toronto Ontario in a R44 in poor weather. A year and a half ago. Actually Stoufville . Buttonville airport was not aware of the bad weather. Wrong place wrong time. RIP Jim. Clear Skies

Nice 👍 talk sir

I like your channel! I was told once that in olde days in fixed wing, if pilots got into thick clouds they would dive as fast as possible to get below cloud base or just land and wait maybe a week if need be, or turn around and fly back to start point. Does this sound logical. My father in law went on a tiger moth journey, many many years ago, and he said they just landed in a field and waited, 2 days until the ranges were clear. from Auckland, New Zealand. .

The very first thing I did, when I read that Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash, was find out what kind of helicopter he was in. I just find it fascinating that a Sikorsky S76 would not be equipped with the latest terrain avoidance radar and navigational tools.

Is there not a modern instrument that could be equipped in helicopters to warn of impending wires? Thanks for the info. Very informative. Cheers.

very good information. btw where did the name pilot yellow came from?