Read NTSB press release
Read Carson Helicopters statement
The 2008 crash of an overloaded Oregon-based helicopter, which killed nine firefighters, was the result of a cascade of failures by virtually everyone involved in assuring a safe flight, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday as it presented findings into the accident.
NTSB member Robert Sumwalt pointed to false weight documents by the helicopter’s owner, Carson Helicopters of Grant Pass, and a lack of government oversight to catch the mistake.
The problem was compounded by pilots who failed to account for the helicopter operating at the limit of its performance, NTSB Chairwoman Deborah A.P. Hersman said at the start of a day-long hearing that exposed serious shortcomings — even negligence — in meeting standards set to ensure safe operation.
The U.S. Forest Service, which hired Carson to help fight a wild fire in California, and the Federal Aviation Administration also failed to adequately review and monitor Carson and ensure safe operation,
Also on STATter911 …
- Oops: TV station wrongly connects MD’s College Park VFD to controversy involving GA fire company with same name. – July 30, 2012
- Another view on DC shift change controversy. Brother of slain New York Times reporter David Rosenbaum points to studies saying current 24/72 & Chief Ellerbe’s 12-hour shifts both aren’t safe. – January 7, 2012
- What did the fire chief know & when did he know it? Washington City Paper raises questions about deputy chief’s retirement & Chief Ellerbe’s knowledge of faulty fleet list. – March 15, 2013
- Must see video: Fire department helicopter shatters after emergency landing. – February 24, 2012
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
It’ll be be interesting to see who will be held Accountable at
each step in the “cascade of failure”.
This was preventable accident and Accountability is the key word.