Medical Helicopter Crashes Show Aviation Safety Risks – Episode 185

The sheer number of helicopter accidents in the last six months is raising safety alarms. Todd Curtis and John Goglia focus on the conditions that helicopter pilots, and specifically medical helicopter operations, experience.

John and Todd examine the relatively frequent accidents around the U.S. involving medical helicopters. The show starts with a deep analysis of events around the August 28 crash of a medical helicopter in Pompano Beach, Florida. A video of the crash was shared online shortly after the crash.

They compare the ongoing investigation of the Pompano Beach crash with another medical helicopter crash from 2017. Maintenance issues, flight conditions, and operating in areas with obstacles all play a role. In the case of ambulance operations, a sense or urgency also comes into play.

NTSB investigations and resulting reports often leave questions unanswered. Todd and John make the case that more thorough reports can help improve safety of helicopter operations. 

Related documents are available at the Flight Safety Detectives website.

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Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8