Risk Management Magazine

A few years ago, as part of a Black Hawk crew, we encountered a close-call incident while conducting a routine training flight. We were returning to base when we experienced a phenomenon known as settling with power or the vortex ring state. This occurs when a helicopter descends too quickly and loses lift from the rotor blades.

The unit was tasked to refuel two Army tactical vehicles and provide a Soldier with driver training. To accomplish the mission, the Soldiers would travel on local roadways. They were given orders to clear the snow from their vehicles and conduct preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS). They were also briefed on the proper speeds for the winter road conditions.

In my cockpit, we started discussing turning around and how comfortable the crew felt. We communicated the idea to Chalk 1, and they said they could still make out terrain features. They were comfortable to proceed though the pass if we were good, so we continued.