Safety Agency Cites Lax Inspections and Federal Oversight in Deadly Helicopter Crash

Published On Aug 27, 2024, 4:51 PM

The National Transportation Safety Board (N.T.S.B.) has released a report stating that inadequate inspections and lack of oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) contributed to a helicopter crash in West Virginia in June 2022 that resulted in six fatalities. The crash involved a 'Huey' helicopter that lost power and crashed while attempting to land. Investigators identified engine component failures and criticized both Marpat Aviation, the helicopter's operator, for insufficient inspections and the F.A.A. for not providing adequate oversight or guidance for the operator's airworthiness certification. The N.T.S.B. has made recommendations to enhance inspection standards for similar aircraft to prevent future accidents.