A second small-lightweight helicopter crash test has been carried out by Nasa in an effort to better understand crash impact and improve helicopter safety.

Nasa conducted an identical test with the same MD-500 helicopter, which features a new expandable honeycomb cushion, in December 2009.

During the test, the MD-500 was fitted with four crash test dummies, but without the energy absorber, and dropped from a height of 35ft.

The helicopter had a flight path angle of about 33° and a combined forward and vertical speed of 33mph.

The results from the two tests will be compared to measure the efficiency of the honeycomb and determine how much it might help reduce occupant injuries.

The honeycomb technology was initially developed by a Nasa engineer to cushion the next-generation of manned space capsules.