Quote:
Originally Posted by Sanjuro
Best guess so far for the cause of the helo crash is "vortex ring"- where, when descending in the hover, the air that goes down through the rotors cannot disperse (trapped by a confined space, for example) and flows up and around the outside, then back down again, so the helicopter rotor is trying to fly in a column of air that is falling much faster. Think of it like trying to actually gain height on a Stairmaster and you've got the picture...
The only way to avoid a crash when this happens is to fly forward out of the falling column of air- but if you're trying to descend into a confined space like a compound with high walls you're stuffed!
This is of course only my guess- it fits the reported facts, but it could be completely wrong.
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I found that explanation quite helpful, Sanjuro. Thanks.
@Leg: It's possible ground fire played a roll in the 'copter's crash but most reports indicate that very little return gunfire was received during the whole of the operation. From what I've read, it seems as though the compound guards were taken completely by surprise. Initial reports suggested a 40 minute gun battle occured after the SEALs arrived. More recent reports indicate that no such gun battle occured and that the compound guards where taken out quickly and without much in the way of resistance.
It doesn't make sense that the government would lie about the cause of the crash. In fact, a helicopter lost to enemy fire would make the raid seem more daring and dangerous and go some way to add justification, in part, to the shooting of an apparently unarmed Bin Laden.
Keep in mind that the fiery crash at Desert One was also due not to ground fire but due to difficult flying conditions, mechanical issues, and possibly pilot error.