Flexible Aircraft Fuel Tanks Can Eliminate Post-Crash Fires
Two years after a horrific helicopter crash left one man dead, and two critically injured, an FAA enquiry has revealed that the post-crash fire could have been avoided by using flexible fuel bladders. The Federal Aviation Administration launched its investigation after the July 2015 crash of a Flight for Life helicopter, in Frisco, Colorado. The Airbus AS350 burst into flames after impact, killing pilot Patrick Mahany. Paramedic and flight nurse David Repsher suffered burns to 90% of his body, while flight nurse Matthew Bowe was left with permanent disabilities. Crash Was Survivable The investigation revealed that this, and many other helicopter crashes, would be survivable, if fire had not occurred. And the risk of fire could be minimised by changing fuel systems. Evidence confirmed that the use of flexible aircraft fuel tanks and breakaway valves could 'all but eliminate' fatal post-crash fires. The technology behind the flexible diesel fuel tanks is not new, but it has bee