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.
