Military bans Huey flights over Boston

Restrictions have been placed on Huey helicopters

December 26, 1997
Web posted at: 12:47 p.m. EST (1747 GMT)

BOSTON (CNN) -- The Army and Massachusetts National Guard have banned the troubled UH-1 helicopter, also known as the Huey, from flying within 35 miles of Boston because of concerns with the aircraft's gearboxes.

Last month, gearbox failures led the Army and the National Guard to order nationwide restrictions on the aircraft. The failures cause the engine to speed up while the gauges drop to zero, leading to catastrophic engine failure. The restrictions include a ban on night flying and flights over mountains and water.

Although some pilots want the helicopter grounded until the problem is fixed, the Army says the restrictions should be adequate. One official says the restrictions are designed to give the pilot time enough to land the aircraft if a problem develops.

Related sites:

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

• Massachusetts National Guard
• Military Helicopters - Bell Helicopter
• Bub's Huey Home Page

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.

---

 

---

Sound off on our message boards & chat

© 1998 Cable News Network, Inc.
A Time Warner Company
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.