NASA to Conduct Helicopter Crash Test at Langley

NASA researchers are organizing a crash test this week at its Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.

NASA says a 45-foot-long helicopter fuselage will be dropped from a height of about 30 feet on Wednesday. Researchers want to test improved seatbelts and seats.

Lead test engineer Martin Annett says nearly 40 cameras positioned both inside and outside will record how 13 crash test dummies react before, during and after impact.

The test is a joint effort of NASA, the Navy, Army and the Federal Aviation Administration.