NTSB Report Links Probable Cause of Northern California Fatal Helicopter Crash to Failure to See Power Line
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently determined that the probable cause of a fatal helicopter crash near Fresno was the helicopter pilot's failure to see a power line. According to a Miami Herald article, the helicopter was being operated by a 70-year-old male pilot and Navy veteran from Palm Springs. The pilot and three employees of the California Department of Fish and Game from Fresno were killed in the January 5, 2010, accident that took place in the Sierra foothills in eastern Madera County near Redinger Lake.
According to the NTSB report, the pilot apparently did not see a wire that hung between transmission line towers. As a result, he flew the helicopter at low elevation and the helicopter struck the cable. The report notes that the location of the sun may have limited power line visibility for the pilot and also highlights that Southern California Edison transmission lines did not have visibility markers. However, the markers were inscribed on a map found at the site of the accident.
The article reports that lawsuits have been filed by family members of the three Fish and Game employees against Landells Aviation and Southern California Edison. An attorney representing one of the families claims that the utility company is responsible in the accident due to improperly maintaining and marking the power lines. Landells Aviation of Desert Hot Springs was the helicopter pilot's employer. They also owned and operated the Bell 206 helicopter involved in the crash.
Litigation relating to helicopter accidents and other aircraft collisions often involves multiple parties, making these types of cases especially intricate. Family members of those killed can seek legal counsel and representation from a Fresno wrongful death lawyer who can ensure that their rights are protected and that negligent parties are held accountable.
