Personal Injury Litigation Blog

The LA Times has reported that three biologists from the California Department of Fish and Game have been killed in a helicopter crash in the Sierra National Forest. The crash which occurred on January 5, 2010 also appears to have claimed the life of the pilot. The biologists were conducting deer surveys in a wooded, remote area near Fresno and the Madera county line.

Authorities stated that the crash took place south of Redinger Lake, California and the explosion following the crash has resulted in a fire. A Madera County Sheriff’s spokeswoman said that the site of the fire is inaccessible, but moisture and light winds have prevented it from spreading rapidly.

At the time of the article’s release, information regarding what specifically caused the helicopter to crash was not provided. Our hearts go out to the families of these biologists and the helicopter pilot.

Helicopter crashes can be devastating and present life-altering consequences for injured victims and their families. Due to the nature of helicopters, many collision victims are either catastrophically injured or killed. A helicopter crash, like the one in the Sierra National Forest, can happen for a variety of reasons, some which can be attributed to negligence. The National Transportation Safety Board may determine that poor helicopter maintenance, human error, or flying with an unsafe load contributed to this helicopter accident in California. If this is the case, then qualifying family members of the deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Other factors investigators may consider is whether the helicopter’s gearboxes, engines, or main rotor heads failed and why.

The trial attorneys at the law firm of Panish, Shea & Boyle have extensive experience holding potentially liable parties accountable in helicopter and aviation accidents. Our track record of success in wrongful death and aviation accident cases is unmatched and our helicopter crash attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help helicopter injury victims and their families throughout the state of California and beyond. We understand the many tragic affects a helicopter crash may impose upon a family, which is why we are dedicated to helping our clients receive full and just compensation for their loss and financial difficulties. To learn more about Panish, Shea & Boyle’s many achievements in aviation law, please visit www.aviation-disaster-lawyers.com or call 1-800-591-8116 for a free consultation of your case.

Source:http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-sierra-crash6-2010jan06,0,1206170.story

According to a recent report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the helicopter wreckage from the August 8, 2009 mid-air crash that took the lives of nine people was recently found and excavated from the Hudson River.  Recovery teams have also located the plane involved in the helicopter crash, and are working towards recovering the aircraft from the murky waters of the Hudson.  According to Debbie Hersman, chief of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), “…hopeful they’ll be able to pull up” the plane soon.

The wreckage of a helicopter is lifted by crane from the Hudson River. (Seth Wenig - AP)

The small plane was carrying only two passengers in addition to the pilot, while the helicopter was carrying a total of six people, pilot included.  All but two of the bodies have been recovered.  Both pilots were experienced, and pre-existing medical conditions that may have contributed towards causing the crash were not known to afflict either.  According to the NTSB, “the investigation into the crash is expected to take months.”

Though there has not yet been official word as to the cause of the aviation accident, it was reported by witnesses that the plane clipped the helicopter with its wing, thus causing the pilots of both aircraft to lose control.  It has been widely criticized that the airspace over the Hudson River is not monitored well enough, and that the probability of accidents occurring is relatively high as a result.  Furthermore, according to the NTSB, federal oversight of helicopter tours is not rigorous enough, and it can therefore be speculated that this lax regulatory watch may have contributed to causing the accident as well.

The attorneys at Panish, Shea & Boyle are monitoring new developments regarding this air disaster as they unfold. Our skilled Los Angeles aviation disaster attorneys have experience handling cases involving charter plane accidents, private plane accidents, commercial airlines and helicopters. We have taken leadership roles in high profile aviation disaster cases and have the resources and knowledge to handle yours. For more information, please contact the Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Panish, Shea & Boyle at 1-866-992-1700.