Helicopter Crash Survival at Sea – United States Navy/Marine Corps Experience 1977-1990

Abstract

This paper examines the United States Navy/Marine Corps’ (USN) experience with helicopter Class A over water mishaps for the period from 1977 to 1990. There were 137 helicopter Class A flight mishaps over water during this period with an overall survival rate of 83% in survivable water crashes. During this period, the USN developed several programs to improve survivability. The helicopter water survival training device (WSTD or 9-D-5 device) was instituted in 1982. The helicopter emergency escape device system (HEEDS) and the helicopter emergency lighting system (HEELS) were implemented in 1987.

This study attempts to answer the question whether or not these programs have, in fact, improved survival since their implementation. In addition, the  study reviews the types of operational problems encountered with these devices.

The results indicate that the WSTD and HEEDS may have contributed to the statistically significant improved survival seen among Navy aircrew in night crashes. They may have also contributed to the improvement (not statistically significant) in survival among passengers in night crashes. The data were inconclusive with respect to the effects of HEELS because of its not being implemented throughout the fleet. Operational problems with these devices
were minor and the benefits of each program far outweigh any risks. In fact, in night crashes aircrew had significantly higher likelihood of survival than passengers who were essentially untrained occupants. Other factors, in addition to the devices studied, may have also affected survival probabilities.