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.
