Helicopter induced propeller injuries

Abstract

Case historyFollowing routine maintenance a military helicopter was returned to service. Due to negligence some hoses had not been connected correctly. The wrongly connected hoses resulted in a malfunction, causing the rotor blades of the helicopter to smash through the windows of the helicopter cockpit. Both the pilot and the co-pilot were hit by the rotor blades and decapitated. Other passengers in the helicopter were injured. Due to vibrations the helicopter fell to the ground and its tail partly broke away (Figs. 1, 2).The bodies and body parts of the pilot and co-pilot were found on the ground outside the helicopter cockpit. Autopsy findings Fatality 1The body was that of a 35-year-old man with a body length of 170 cm after decapitation. There was a complete decapitation concentrated at the skull cap (Figs. 3, 4) and the base of the skull was crushed. The brain had been torn out of the cranial cavity. The right arm was completely amputated and there were fractures at the left forearm as well as partial amputation of the left hand. The lungs were altered by blood aspiration. There was only faint postmortem lividity due to exsanguination.The cause of death was decapitation (and amputation of the right arm). Fatality 2The body was that of a 44-year-old man with a body length of 170 cm after decapitation. Autopsy revealed complete decapitation (Fig. 5) as well as a severe laceration of the right shoulder. Both hands were amputated (Fig. 6a, b). Multiple injuries resulted in exsanguination with subsequent faint postmortem lividity. The lungs exhibited blood inhalation. No indications for pre-existing diseases were found. The cause of death was decapitation.During the days following the crash further body parts (for example bone fragments from both skulls, fingers, parts of hands, and brains) originating from the killed pilot and the co-pilot were handed in for postmortem examination.

A Case of Penetrating Head Wound Due to Helicopter Rotor Blade Injury in a 34-Year-Old Naval Helicopter Pilot Who Returned to Active Service 5 Years Later

“…During intensive care, surgery, and rehabilitation, less than 10% of TBI patients with penetrating TBI survivors have a low GCS score [ 15 , 16 ]. Although the mechanisms underlying the various causes of head trauma cannot be directly compared, survival rates and prognostic evaluations provide relatively objective means of comparison [ 17 ]. The prognosis of our patient was better than indicated in many research reports.…”

“…However, even a blow injury can be serious, and all relevant personnel should be instructed in helicopter safety. The rotor blades are a threat to all on-site personnel, and they should fully understand the situation disembarking or boarding the helicopter [ 11 , 17 ]. The helicopter crew must maintain situational awareness when the blades are turning.…”