Wed, Jul 06, 2016
Bell "Devastated" at the Loss of Two Test Pilots
A prototype Bell 525 flight test vehicle has been involved in a tragic accident near the Bell 'Xworx' test facility near Arlington, TX.
Video shows at least one fairly concentrated debris path with only the tail section recognizable as part of the orange test article -- though that tail section is reportedly located a significant distance away from the majority of the impact site. The accident occurred at approximately 1147 local time and appears to have involved FTV1, one of three prototype flying test articles known to be part of the current program (though two more are expected to join the test fleet at a later date).
A Bell company statement offers limited detail, noting, "On July 6, 2016, a Bell 525 was involved in an accident while conducting developmental flight test operations south of our Xworx facility in Arlington, Texas. Unfortunately, the accident resulted in a loss of two crew members. This is a devastating day for Bell Helicopter. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our teammates and have reached out to their families to offer our support. Bell Helicopter representatives are onsite to assess the situation and provide any assistance to local, state, and federal authorities. At this time we ask for your understanding as we work through all of the details. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."
This is a massive setback to a program that was reported to be working ahead of schedule and meeting all major test points as the development program proceeded from an initial announcements at HAI 2012.
The Bell 525 Relentless was designed to accommodate 16 passengers and two crew members, with a cruise speed of 155 knots and a range of 500 nautical miles. The vehicle boasts a highly reconfigurable main cabin, and is adaptable to several mission needs, including corporate/VIP, firefighting, energy, helicopter air ambulance, and search and rescue.
ANN will provide more data when available... but we send our sympathy and prayers to the entire Bell helicopter community...
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