Ethics in Aviation

Ethics in the Aviation Profession

March 25, 2023

CH-46 Mishap

    On December 9, 1999 a CH-46 assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166 (HMM-166) was conducting training in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The aircraft took off from the Bonhomme Richard at around 12:46 that day and set course to the USNS Pecos to allow for the Reconnaissance Marines to practice fast roping techniques. The total on board the aircraft was about 18 service members including the pilots and crew chiefs which was considered a tight fit. As the CH-46 began making its way to the ship, the landing officer signaled to the pilot to increase power as the aircraft was observed to be flying to low for a successful landing. In addition, radio calls were made to the CH-46 crew to increase power, but unfortunately no verbal response was provided. As a result of the low approach, the CH-46's landing gear became tangled with a metal net that is fastened on the exterior of the ship, ironically used to save lives and prevent someone from going overboard. Unaware that the aircraft was now snared to this net, the crew applied power to correct their landing which resulted in the bird flipping over horizontally into the ocean. At around 13:16 the "man overboard" procedure was called aboard the vessel and it was an all hands effort to recover the wreckage. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of 7 service members due to drowning. Following the investigation, the Marine Corps concluded that mishap was a result of pilot error negligence. Additionally, this raised the question as to why the proper Underwater Egress Training (UET) was not provided to every soul aboard the CH-46 prior to conducting this training event. This training ensures the confidence and skills to properly evacuate a downed aircraft are provided to anyone who would be in that situation. I believe that it was unethical to allow these Marines to board this aircraft without receiving this proper egress instruction. I'm confident their would have been a greater number of survivors if everyone aboard was properly educated on the egress procedures.

References:

Perry, T. (2023, March 25) 7 Marines Feared Dead, 11 Saved After Helicopter Crashes at Sea. 

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-10-mn-42528-story.html