§ Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Aviation what research is taking place into the possibility of preventing helicopters crashing immediately in the event of engine failure; and what progress is being made with the invention of some device, such as a parachute or rocket apparatus, which might lessen this danger to people on the ground as well as the passengers and crew of the helicopter.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsEven in single-engined helicopter engine failure does not necessarily lead to a crash, since the rotor continues to revolve and allows the pilot under normal conditions to make a forced landing. Our main effort is directed towards eliminating the causes of engine failure by improving reliability, and towards the provision of sealed hulls or floats for those helicopters which fly a lot over water. Parachutes or rocket apparatus would be very heavy, and rockets would involve the use of dangerous312W fuels; neither would significantly increase aircraft safety.
§ Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Aviation how many crashes of civilian helicopters through engine failure have occurred in the United Kingdom in any recent convenient period of twelve months; and what information he has as to how these accidents compare with the total number and mileage of flights.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsIn the twelve months ending 31st December, 1964, there were three notifiable accidents to civil registered helicopters which resulted from engine failure. The information required to enable this figure to be compared with the number of flights made by, and mileage flown by, civil helicopters, is not available.