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The pilot of the Cirrus was a student pilot. He didn't allow himself enough time between the departure of the Blackhawk (a fairly heavy helicopter) and his arrival. There's less than 30 seconds between when the Blackhawk exits the frame and when the Cirrus enters. That Blackhawk really stirs up the air (as will most any helicopter, including those Hughes 269s in the foreground), so pilots need to be extra careful when helicopters are around.

Also remember that a helicopter in forward flight leaves "wingtip vortexes" in its wake just like a fixed-wing aircraft. So all the same cautions apply. Add to that the rotor wash when hovering, and the air can get pretty messy, as this pilot found out. Fortunately he wasn't seriously hurt.

A good lesson to keep in mind.

I'm often amazed at how strong the wake turbulence is behind another Sonex.

radfordc wrote:I'm often amazed at how strong the wake turbulence is behind another Sonex.

I've flown the box behind a few sonex. Yes, there is definitely a buffet in trail of them.

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After watching the video several times I'm of the opinion that the pilot could have flown away successfully except that he pulled too hard on the elevator and stalled the plane. It looked like he had managed to get the wings started coming back level before that happened.

The most interesting wake turbulence encounter I have witnessed was at Oshkosh. A Super G Connie had come in for a low approach....following behind was a Bonanza on final for landing. When the Bonanza hit the wake the wings rolled past 90 degrees at an altitude of maybe 200 feet. The pilot was able to recover the aircraft and go around.

Fastcapy wrote:I'm sure Joe Norris (and any other Oshkosh area pilot) knows the controller I am talking about... Lol

Yes, indeed I do! I've had many "interesting" conversations with him myself!


Joe
"Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat"