28.08 NASA Crashes Helicopter � On Purpose

WASHINGTON, August 28 (RIA Novosti) � NASA, which has been launching objects into space for decades, on Wednesday did things a little differently. It purposely crashed a 45-foot long (14-meter) helicopter fuselage from a height of about 30 feet (9 meters) to learn about safety.

NASA conducted the crash test at its Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia to help determine how to improve seat belts and seats, and how to design safer helicopters.

�We have instrumented a former Marine helicopter airframe with cameras and accelerometers,� said lead test engineer Martin Annett in a statement. �Almost 40 cameras inside and outside the helicopter will record how 13 crash test dummies react before, during and after impact.�