FW: NTSB Determines Cause In Arizona EMS Heli Collision

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NTSB Determines Cause In Arizona EMS Heli Collision

http://www.avweb.com/newspics/ntsb-seal_med.jpg> The NTSB has determined

in the case of two EMS helicopters that collided near Flagstaff Medical

Center last June, killing all seven persons aboard, that had the pilots

" been more attentive and aware " and communications more thorough the

accident could have been prevented. According to the NTSB, the actions of

both pilots contributed to the accident that destroyed the two Bell 407 EMS

helicopters while on approach to the helipad. En route, the pilots of the

aircraft were in communication with their communications centers and both

provided position reports. The communications center at Flagstaff Medical

Center advised the first pilot that the other helicopter would be dropping

off a patient and advised the second pilot's communication center of the

first aircraft's arrival. However, that communication center failed to relay

the information to the second pilot (and was not required to do so,

according to the NTSB). The second pilot then failed to contact

communications at Flagstaff Medical Center, which was required, and so

arrived on scene uninformed of the first aircraft's presence. Further, the

first pilot flew a non-typical approach that was not in accord with noise

abatement guidelines and would not have been expected by the second pilot.

Neither aircraft had onboard a collision avoidance system.

The NTSB found that had a typical approach been flown by one of the

aircraft, had either aircraft been equipped with a collision avoidance

system (not required), and had required communications procedures been

employed it is likely the accident could have been avoided.