Medevac pilot blamed in crash

Published 10/28/09

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) - Last year's deadly medevac helicopter crash in Maryland was caused by a combination of factors including a pilot who was not proficient in instrument landing approaches, and air traffic controllers who provided outdated weather information, federal investigators said yesterday.

The National Transportation Safety Board concluded at a hearing that concerns with the pilot, air traffic control services at various sites and other issues likely caused the September 2008 crash in a wooded park in District Heights, killing four people.

NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman, Vice Chairman Christopher A. Hart...

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An Insult - 2009-10-28 15:49:34

You dishonor the pilot with your title. That is wrong! The report states he was given outdated weather information. He made what he thought was a rational decision. He did not inadequately assess the weather. The Air Force did. Then the conditions deteriorated. Who can predict that? The inexperienced flight controller at Andrews stated she was not familiar with the equipment used for instrument landings. The pilot was! We heard the tape months ago, and the report doesn't even mention that. The Air Force dropped the ball. They should be held accountable.

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Mark Praschak - Chester, MD - Karma: Neutral

Titles - 2009-10-28 15:45:16

I agree with Matt B. The pilot may have erred to a degree in flying in that weather but all the tv reports I saw put most of the blame on outdated equipment on the plane . More current instumentation would have alerted him to the obstacles. I don't think it's fair to lay all the blame on the pilot in the headline when there were a variety of factors.

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mike davis - , - Karma: Neutral

Titles - 2009-10-28 12:46:52

Whoever comes up with these story titles is doing a very bad job. This is atleast the 5th story I've read where the title says one thing only to find out in the story that it is much different.

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Matt B - Deale, MD - Karma: Excellent