Further investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) into an August 8, 2009 collision between a single-engine plane and tourist helicopter has revealed several probable causes that led to the crash. Nine people aboard both aircraft died in the accident.
CNN reports that an air traffic controller’s personal phone call is likely to have contributed to causing the fatal midair collision near Hoboken, New Jersey. The NTSB found that the non-work related call distracted the air traffic controller from his responsibility of timely transferring communications for the accident airplane to the Newark Liberty International Airport tower and fixing the airplane pilot’s inaccurate read-back of the tower frequency.
The NTSB report also states that the air traffic controller’s negligent action may not have occurred if his manager had taken corrective action following a previous phone conversation that was made by the employee. Moreover, the agency has determined that the manager exercised poor judgment when he did not inform his staff that he could be reached while away from the tower. He also did not utilize available employees to give additional assistance at the tower while he was gone.
Recommendations have been made to the Federal Aviation Administration by the NTSB to make alterations to its “special flight rules area” with revisions to federal regulations specifying altitudes for aircrafts conducting operations within the Hudson river area near New Jersey and New York. In stating that the deadly Hudson River aviation accident could have been prevented, NTSB’s Chairman also said that well-built operating measures, professionalism, and commitment to the job are all vital in ensuring safety alongside traffic alerts maintained by air traffic controllers.
As the Hudson River aviation accident demonstrates, plane and helicopter crashes can occur for various reasons, including negligence. At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our aviation disaster attorneys are experienced in handling the complexities presented by aviation litigation and have the resources necessary to obtain successful results for our clients. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a plane or helicopter crash, our lawyers are here to help. Call 877-800-1700 today for a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.
