Russian airplane hit by lightning and crashes...?

[Racer X]

That is a real occurrence with helicopters, not a movie plot element. We were taught proper procedures for a maritime helicopter rescue when I was working on my maritime pilots license.

Horrendous static charge build-up from the blades.

[BigGuynRusty]

[quote Racer X]That is a real occurrence with helicopters, not a movie plot element. We were taught proper procedures for a maritime helicopter rescue when I was working on my maritime pilots license.

Horrendous static charge build-up from the blades.
If you seen a helicopter landing on a ship, they extend a pole that is grounded to the ship, I've seen 5" to 10" sparks jump to the tip of the pole. Also saw a sailor badly injured during a landing because he touched the chopper without grounding, actually the empty sling touched him before he touched the copter with the grounding pole.

From the Marine manual.:
Static Electricity. Static electrical discharge from helicopters can be fatal to ground personnel. Low arctic humidity causes static buildup to be much stronger than in warmer climates. Ground personnel must ground hoists and pendants before touching. Insert grounding rods securely through the snow into solid ground. Hookup men must wear high voltage anti-static gloves.

BGnR