Austin, Texas, October 23, 2009 — On August 12, 2009, a surveying helicopter from Georgia-based RotorWorks, LLC was performing scheduled routine aerial patrols and experienced a hard landing due to an engine failure — which resulted in a total loss of the aircraft. The two employees in the aircraft received minor injuries, even though the aircraft was completely destroyed in the accident. However, the Xplore ix104C4 tablet PC survived the crash and is still functioning normally.

RotorWorks is an aerial remote sensing company that provides geospatial services and solutions utilizing a high resolution LiDAR unit and infrared / digital video systems for many industries that require corridor mapping and monitoring programs. A flight manager with RotorWorks was performing a typical surveillance flight with an infrared-equipped helicopter over utility field electrical lines when the accident occurred.

RotorWorks utilizes the Xplore ix104C4 PCs integrated with a GPS unit to navigate the power companies’ transmission line systems and to accurately pinpoint locations that need immediate repair. The aircraft lost power at approximately 500 feet in the air. Post-crash, the Xplore PC was found to be in 100% working condition. RotorWorks has since purchased additional units for all their surveying helicopters.