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Documentary Cinematographer Mike deGruy killed in helicopter crash

Gavin Greenwalt

Gavin Greenwalt

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Mike deGruy, an award-winning cinematographer who spent three decades making documentary films about the ocean, was killed in a helicopter crash in eastern Australia. He was 60.​
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/mike-degruy-filmmaker-who-documented-life-under-the-sea-dies-in-australia-helicopter-crash/2012/02/05/gIQANn9EsQ_story.html


Mike deGruy, 60, of Santa Barbara, and Andrew Wight, 51, of Victoria, Australia, both of whom had worked closely with Cameron, were reportedly scouting locations for a documentary . DeGruy was a multiple BAFTA- and Emmy-award winner, and specialized in underwater cinematography. Wight wrote and produced last year's 3D film Sanctum, which was produced by Cameron and earned more than $100 million worldwide.
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http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ne...kers-killed-helicopter-crash-australia-287163

Old TED Talk with Mike:
http://www.ted.com/talks/mike_degruy_hooked_by_octopus.html
 
Sad news.
 
and Andrew Wight too. I was just discussing the use of my new underwater 3D rigs for James Cameron with him...
 
What we know so far is that there are reports that there was a 3d camera onboard. The R44 was being utilised because a larger helicopter with a tyler side mount and 3d rig was not available due to weather. There are reports that the large helicopter was to shoot a marine research/dive vessel located in or near Jervis Bay.
Mike Degruy, a world renouned underwater cinematographer, who had been working in Australia for a few weeks was called in to be on the flight at short notice when an aerial cameraman, apparently unhappy with the working conditions declined the seat.


Cause of the cash is not yet know, however with a video and numerous eyewitnesses the precise mechanism of loss of control should be able to be identified.

Regardless of the final mechanism Redusers who use small helicopters such as R22, R44 and Bell 206, when combined with shooting out of an open door, are reminded that outside of war zones, such a combination seems to claim the lives of more cameramen than any other single filming activity.



Mike Brennan
 
+1 to Michael... Robinsons do not have the reputation and safety factor of larger turbine machines. I bear that in mind when I'm faced with getting into a helicopter.

The smaller and lighter the machine, the faster the reactions of the pilot have to be to get it safely into autorotation before the rotor winds down terminally... momentum is your friend.

RIP all.

Mike
 
Both Mike and Andrew were amazing men who each leave behind an astounding legacy. As someone who was involved in their crew (I prepped the camera they had on board), I would appreciate it if people did not jump to conclusions about the crash and situations surrounding it. It has all hurt us deeply but we are carrying on and will carry on the project in their name. We do appreciate hearing your thoughts about Andrew and Mike.

I'm not at liberty to discuss the project I'm afraid.
 
Yes, the TED talk is amazing! I recommend you all watch it to get an idea of the passion and enthusiasm that Mike carried with him. Was really looking forward to hearing stories from him when we had some downtime together.
 
My father runs the Robinson factory and I would have to disagree with your statement about their reputation and safety.

its very sad new and I hope they figure out what happened whether it be pilot error or mechanical


Mike 'Fireman' Ross said:
+1 to Michael... Robinsons do not have the reputation and safety factor of larger turbine machines. I bear that in mind when I'm faced with getting into a helicopter.

The smaller and lighter the machine, the faster the reactions of the pilot have to be to get it safely into autorotation before the rotor winds down terminally... momentum is your friend.

RIP all.

Mike
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Regardless of the reasons it is a big loss and big tragedy.
I'm now looking at my email to Andrew sent just a few days ago knowing i will never get a reply...
It is also an opportunity to reflect how life can end suddenly.
 
Just a year after losing Mike and Andrew an R44 has crashed in the landing phase, not far from Mike and Andrews crash.

This R44 apparently also did not have a fuel bladder fitted and despite the (probable) survivable impact all were lost in the ensuing fire.
Harrowing reports that the pilot, who was wearing a helmet, made it out of the craft but died on scene.

Whilst this accident did not involve aerial filming the fact remains that low level slow flying aerial photography is dangerous enough, so do all you can to put the odds in your favour and don't work from an R44 that is not fitted with a bladder.



Mike Brennan
 
A good friend of mine heads an international aviation insurance company located here in Santa Barbara. After Mike's crash, my friend told me to stop flying in the Robinson's. I've done over 100 hours of filming from the R44 and never had any kind of problem, but my friend told me about the accident statistics on Robinson's . Sorry if this offends anyone connected with Robinson, but when you hear from an aviation insurance agent, it probably pays to listen.
 
I'm sorry for this loss .

Another Robsinson crashed yesterday here in Oz 4 people killed .....it had the old fuel tank.

When commissioned to do aerial work I've personally vowed never to fly in a Robinson (its not a great camera bird anyway) , Mike's death and the incident yesterday confirmed this opinion even more.
 
This is quite unnerving news. I've been shooting from R44's a lot (in fact jut yesterday), I was never aware of this issue.
We've done a lot of low level flying yesterday (pic below) following race trucks and managed to get hit by rock shrapnel which cracked the main rotor blade, about a 2" crack..... Landed without a problem but this thread is definitely food for though for anybody shooting from helicopters, especially R44.



 
Hey Milan

Surely something like a drone can give you that immediatecy without the hassle. Looking at your pic your not in built up areas so maybe its legal or maybe it isnt.

The Robinsons you can't hang any decent support off. So in my experience your reduced to hand held off the shoulder the cam is hitting the roof, the doors are so narrow you cant get great "look forward" even when the pilot is flying for camera. Yes they're cheap but what value do you place on life....is $350 per hour less or so really worth it ?

P.S. Apologies I missed Michael's post about the crash a couple of days, I posted the same event.
 
A few weeks ago the Australian aviation authorities grounded R44s without bladders.
It took the death of four ex government scientists in the latest crash for the penny to drop.
Pity the FAA don't have the guts to do the same.

The fitting of bladders will improve the statistics but aerial filming from an open door (helicopter and fixed wing) remains the most hazardous occupation for cameramen.

No cameramen have been killed in the R44 news and R44 police versions which use a nose mount.

Milan if you are unaware of the R44 crash worthiness then you may benefit from doing a search of this site for other useful safety advice regarding aerials, in particular the inherent dangers of shooting from open doors.

When the blade took a hit did the pilot notice immediately, was there a vibration or a noise?


Mike Brennan
 
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