Helicopter Crash

News sources reported that a luxury helicopter tour of the Las Vegas Sunset Strip and Hoover Dam crashed into a mountainside Wednesday evening, taking the lives of the pilot and four passengers near Lake Mead. The tour was operated by Sundance helicopters in Las Vegas.

According to National Park Service spokesman Andrew Munoz, the accident occurred in the River Mountains surrounding Lake Mead just before 5pm on Wednesday. The crash, which was remotely witnessed by numerous people, happened about 4 miles west of Lake Mead and roughly 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. The scene is not accessible by road an initially slowed a rescue and recovery effort until early Thursday. A park ranger rode a 4-wheel drive vehicle to scene in the meantime to protect the bodies and scene until the investigation could begin.

Ian Gregor, spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration, stated that the helicopter was an AS-350, and could hold up to six passengers during an air tour. The FAA is unclear as to what may have caused the accident, as the weather was mostly clear Wednesday in that area.

The identities of the victims have yet to be disclosed as officials are continuing their investigation.

As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, I’m deeply saddened to learn of this tragic accident. In my time as a personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen the devastating effects that accidents similar to this have had on the family and friends left behind, and I offer my most sincere condolences as they mourn their loss.

The Daily Breeze reports that a helicopter recently tipped over while attempting to lift off from the Torrance Municipal Airport, causing the pilot to suffer minor injuries.

According to the article, the helicopter, a Bell 47G built in 1956, tipped over onto its right side at approximately 2 p.m. At the time the article was written it was not known what caused the helicopter to tip over. However, the facility operations manager at the airport witnessed the helicopter crash and said it appears as though some sort of malfunction occurred while the pilot was trying to take off.

The article notes the pilot was able to stand before he was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, which were reported to be minor. The man was alone in the helicopter at the time of the incident and no other injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the California helicopter accident.

Near the end of 2010, new FAA helicopter operators and procedures rules were proposed to help decrease the frequency of helicopter crashes. In 2008 there were six helicopter accidents that resulted in 24 deaths, which is the deadliest year on record. The proposed changes would require operators to make use of the latest equipment and technology to avoid obstacles, as well as implement new, improved procedures for operating helicopters in inclement weather, at night, and during other conditions.

Helicopter accidents in California can occur due to a wide variety of reasons. In most cases, negligence or oversight is the cause of a crash. Bad weather, poor upkeep and maintenance, human error, and flying with a load of unsafe weight or size can also lead to a helicopter crash. The usability and safety of helicopter equipment can also deteriorate over time, and when a malfunction occurs, oftentimes an injury or accident results.

At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our helicopter crash lawyers have successfully litigated cases involving helicopter accidents, including obtaining a settlement of over $13.5 million for military personnel injured in Iraq when their helicopter crashed due to a defective gear box. We can help injured victims and family members of those killed in a helicopter accident receive the compensation they deserve from negligent parties. Call 1-877-800-1700 to learn how we can help you during this difficult time.

One man was killed and three others were injured in a helicopter crash in the Ironwood National Forest in Arizona, reports KGUN 9 News. The helicopter was a part of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and the team was looking for potential sites for part of a new wireless integrated network system to upgrade the sheriff’s communications system in rural areas.

It is not known what caused the helicopter to crash. The only radio communication the helicopter sent to the sheriff’s department was notifying them that the chopper was going down. Rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene of the helicopter accident, but because the helicopter was on a slope near a ledge, rescuers weren’t able to reach the site until over an hour after the crash was reported.

According to the article, the pilot was dead at the scene of the helicopter crash. The three survivors were airlifted to local hospitals, and two have been released, while the other remains in serious condition.

An investigation into the helicopter collision will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed new helicopter operator rules and procedures to help lower the frequency of helicopter crashes. The deadliest year on record for helicopter crashes was 2008, when six accidents resulted in 24 fatalities. Between 1994 and 2009, 135 helicopter air ambulance accidents resulted in 126 fatalities, and from 1994 to 2008, 75 commercial helicopter accidents, not including air ambulances, killed 88 people. The proposed changes would require helicopter operators to use the latest technology and equipment on board to avoid terrain and other obstacles, as well as use improved procedures for flying choppers at night, during various and inclement weather conditions, and when landing in a secluded location.

Helicopter crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are attributed to negligence or oversight. Pilot error, defective helicopter parts, air traffic controller mistakes and other factors are responsible for many helicopter accidents. The helicopter crash lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have the skills and experience needed to conduct a careful investigation into the circumstances of a helicopter accident to determine accountability. We will help injured victims and family members of those killed in helicopter crashes obtain just compensation from negligent parties. Call 1-877-800-1700 today.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced the proposal of a series of new, stricter flight rules and procedures for helicopter operators, including air ambulances, to help improve overall safety of helicopter flights nationwide. According to the FAA press release, if the new rules are approved, they would necessitate enhanced helicopter operator communications and training in addition to new on-board safety equipment.

FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt stated, “We can prevent accidents by preparing pilots and equipping helicopters for all of the unique flying conditions they encounter. These new rules are designed to protect passengers, patients, medical personnel, and pilots.” The proposed regulations contain provisions requiring operators to utilize the latest on-board technology and equipment to stay away from terrain and other obstacles while using improved procedures for flying helicopters in various weather conditions, when landing in secluded locations, and at night.

The FAA proposal covers various requirements for different types of helicopter operators, including those of air ambulances, commercial helicopters, Part 91 general aviation helicopters, and Part 135 helicopter and fixed wing on-demand aircrafts. In devising the stricter set of rules and procedures, the FAA hopes to lower the number of helicopter accidents. The deadliest year on record for helicopter accidents was 2008, in which six crashes killed 24 people. In addition, from 1994 to 2009, 135 helicopter air ambulance crashes killed 126 individuals and from 1994 to 2008, 75 commercial helicopter crashes (not including air ambulances) resulted in 88 deaths.

Helicopter crashes occur for a wide range of reasons, many of which stem from some form of negligence or oversight. Defective helicopter parts, pilot error, air traffic controller mistakes, and other causes, are responsible for many helicopter collisions, most which result in injuries and/or fatalities. As leaders in aviation disaster litigation, the helicopter accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have the resources and experience to help injured individuals and family members of wrongful death victims obtain full and just compensation from negligent parties. Contact our firm today for a free consultation of your case by calling 1-877-800-1700.

A small helicopter crash near the Long Beach airport on Tuesday, October 12, injured the student pilot, according to KTLA.com. The California helicopter accident occurred at about 12:40 p.m., when the student was participating in a training exercise, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported.

Ian Gregor, FAA spokesman, stated the student pilot and his instructor were practicing how to hover in a Robinson R44 two-seat helicopter. They were hovering over a grassy region near the airport when a right skid came in contact with the ground, causing the helicopter to roll over. According to Gregor, the student suffered only minor shoulder and leg injuries. The instructor was not injured..

In 2005, there were 197 helicopter accidents in the United States. The fatality rate for helicopter crashes is 30 percent higher than the rate in general aviation accidents. There are many factors that can lead to a helicopter disaster, such as operator error, air traffic controller mistakes, flight service negligence, inclement weather, improper maintenance, or defective parts on the helicopter. However, in 2004, a study was conducted that found that one third of aviation accidents since 1950 had an unknown cause.

Serious injury can result from a helicopter accident, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), amputation, paralysis and even death. Less severe injuries can still cost thousands of dollars in medical expenses and prevent victims from returning to their regular employment. If a party’s negligence or another wrongful act caused a helicopter crash, victims can seek compensation for their damages, including for medical bills, loss of income and pain and suffering.

The skilled California helicopter crash attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have the experience and necessary resources to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and circumstances of a helicopter accident. As national leaders in aviation litigation, we will protect your rights and hold negligent parties liable. Contact our firm today for a free consultation of your helicopter accident case by calling 1-877-800-1700.

A crop dusting helicopter crashed along a busy California freeway leaving the pilot with minor injuries. No others were injured. The Californian reports that the accident on Highway 101 near Salinas may have been caused by foggy weather; however, a preliminary report has yet to be released and a final investigative report may take six to nine months to complete. The 62-year old pilot apparently lost control of the small helicopter, which landed upside-down on the highway and almost collided with a big rig. The pilot was wearing his seatbelt and was taken to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital with reported rib pain. He was taking the Bell 47 G5 helicopter to a worksite, but the aircraft was not carrying any pesticides.

Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are launching investigations into the California helicopter accident. A NTSB error safety investigator stated that the investigation will focus on the mechanics of the helicopter, the weather, and the pilot’s mental and physical state. It is possible for new safety recommendations to be made by the NTSB after examining the events that lead up to the helicopter collision.

State and federal rules and regulations for helicopter design, manufacture, operation, and maintenance are implemented to help prevent accidents. When these rules are not complied with and a helicopter crash occurs as a result, those injured and the family members of those killed may seek compensation from negligent parties.

Helicopter accident litigation is highly complex, requiring extensive resources and legal knowledge to develop an effective case. At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our California helicopter crash lawyers are leaders in aviation law and have obtained numerous favorable verdicts and settlements for our clients. To learn more about how we can help you with your aviation disaster case, please call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation.

If you have been unfortunate enough to be seriously injured, you have probably had to rely on emergency medical personnel to transport you to hospital emergency rooms. These brave professionals have made it their vocation to care for the seriously injured and classifying many of them as heroes is not out of line. But what about when these professionals make mistakes, or even worse, are negligent in their duties?

According to the Chicago Tribune, a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation has concluded that the fatal 2008 medical helicopter crash that took place in Aurora, Illinois was the result of pilot error. Reportedly, the pilot of the Air Angels medical helicopter, which struck a radio tower before crashing and taking the life of a 14-month old girl being transported, has been deemed responsible for the accident due to his “inadequate preflight planning.”

It was determined that multiple factors played a role in the transport’s crash. Aside from the lack of flight planning, which would have identified the 734-foot-tall tower as a potential hazard, the NTSB also cited the pilot for flying too low, which made avoiding the tower impossible. It was also determined that the helicopter was not equipped with a proper on-board warning system, which could have alerted the pilot of the radio tower. Furthermore, the NTSB’s final report also declared that the air traffic controller at DuPage Airport failed to issue a safety warning to the 69-year-old helicopter pilot. Such warnings are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

In total, four people lost their lives in the incident – the pilot, the child being transported to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, a 31-year-old nurse, and a 41-year-old paramedic. For the families of these and all other helicopter crash victims, negligent parties that contributed in causing the crash can be held liable for their actions in a court of law. For more information about your rights as a helicopter crash victim, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Los Angeles helicopter crash attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP. For a free case consultation, please call us today at 1-877-800-1700.

Federal officials are investigating a near-collision of a commercial airliner and a news helicopter over a Houston airport runway, the Houston Chronicle reports. The incident involved a Southwest Airlines domestic flight carrying 140 passengers and a helicopter used by several local news stations. The aircrafts came within 125 feet of each other, and both pilots were forced to take evasive maneuvers to avoid colliding. No injuries were reported.

Preliminary findings indicate that both aircrafts had been given unrestricted clearance to takeoff by air traffic controllers, implicating fault on the part of ground control. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and consider the case to still be open. The goal of the investigation is to determine the exact events leading to the near-accident and how helicopter and plane crashes like these can be prevented.

This is the third near-collision involving a Southwest operated aircraft since February. Southwest officials have said that they are cooperating fully with the federal investigation but declined to further comment on the matter.

While fast and efficient air travel still poses many safety risks to the general public. Helicopters share air and runway space with much larger commercial airliners and rely on the competence of ground controllers to prevent catastrophic aviation crashes. If you have been injured in a helicopter accident, call the experienced helicopter injury crash attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP at (877) 800-1700 for a free and comprehensive consultation about your case.

The family of a teenage survivor of a 2008 helicopter crash that killed four, insist that the accident was a result of negligence, in spite of a report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicating otherwise. The Anchorage Daily News reports that the boy was an illegitimate passenger aboard the Eurocopter AS-350 B2 that had been chartered by the Alaska Department of Administration Enterprise Technology Systems to transport employees to a telecommunications site for scheduled maintenance. Non-employees are not permitted in state-owned or state-chartered vehicles.

The accident allegedly occurred when the teenager inadvertently knocked a floor-mounted fuel flow lever with his backpack, pushing the lever into the emergency position. His family claims that the helicopter’s operating company, Era Helicopters, failed to install a basic safety mechanism that has been available by the manufacturer “on request” since 2007. The lever guard is not currently required, but such a requirement is currently under consideration. According to the NTSB’s report, at least three other past accidents can be attributed to the fuel flow lever on the vehicle.

Although rare, helicopter accidents often result in serious injuries and death to passengers. The increasing popularity of helicopter travel means that more accidents are likely to occur. Related injuries can be disastrous for victims and their families, producing staggering medical bills, lost income and severe emotional and psychological damage. From 1995-2002, California was the state with the most fatal helicopter injuries, representing 16% of all fatal injuries involving helicopters in the U.S.

The litigation of helicopter accidents is often complex, requiring attorneys with years of experience and the resources necessary to handle this type of lawsuit. Helicopter accident claims require in-depth investigations and skilled legal representation. If you have been injured in a helicopter accident, or if you have lost a loved one, contact the helicopter crash lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP by calling (877) 800-1700 for a free consultation regarding your case.

A www.wishtv.com article discusses a recent $5.6 million settlement for the children of a single mother and flight nurse member of an Air Evac helicopter rescue team who was killed in a 2008 Indiana helicopter accident. An investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board and research collected by expert air crash investigators determined that the helicopter’s rotor blade cracked because of flaws stemming from the manufacturing of the blade.

As this particular helicopter collision demonstrates, when rotor blades are not designed or manufactured correctly, catastrophic failure of these helicopter components can lead to sudden blade fracture and subsequent fatal or injury accidents. According to the article, the blade split mid-air, causing the helicopter to crash.

Defective helicopter parts are responsible for many catastrophic injury and wrongful death helicopter accidents. Determining whether a design flaw or a manufacturing defect contributed to a helicopter crash requires meticulous investigation and a thorough examination of evidence. Pilot error or a combination of factors can also cause helicopter crashes. Family members who have lost loved ones due to helicopter collisions deserve to know the series of events leading up to the accident. These investigations also play a critical role in the creation of new helicopter manufacturing, operation and maintenance rules and regulations that help prevent future incidents from taking place.

The California helicopter crash attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have obtained several successful case outcomes for helicopter accident victims and family members of fatal helicopter accident victims. Our law firm has built a national reputation in aviation disaster and product liability litigation, lending us the legal knowledge and experience to take on any helicopter crash case. For more information about your legal rights and how the attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP can help you, please visit www.psblaw.com or call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation.