Image Credits : Gettyimage
Action news helicopter crashes have become a concerning issue in the field of electronic news gathering. These incidents not only jeopardize the lives of news crew members but also have an impact on the quality and timeliness of news coverage. Recent events, such as the helicopter crash in New Jersey and the chopper crash near Northeast Philadelphia Airport, have brought renewed attention to the safety of these aerial news platforms.
The causes behind these crashes are complex and multifaceted. Air traffic control, flight hours, and airworthiness inspections all play crucial roles in ensuring the safety of news helicopters. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates these incidents to analyze the root causes and recommend safety improvements. This article will explore recent notable crashes, examine the factors contributing to these accidents, and discuss the safety measures and regulations in place to prevent future tragedies in the world of action news helicopter operations.
Recent Notable News Helicopter Crashes
Chopper 6 Crash in New Jersey
On December 19, 2023, a tragic incident occurred when Chopper 6, owned and operated by US Helicopters, Inc. and assigned to 6ABC (WPVI-TV), crashed in New Jersey. The American Eurocopter Corp. AS350B2 helicopter, piloted by 67-year-old Monroe Smith and carrying 45-year-old photographer Christopher Dougherty, went down in a densely wooded area of the Wharton State Forest near Hammonton.
The helicopter had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 7:23 p.m. to film Christmas lights in Smithville, New Jersey. After completing the assignment, it began its return journey around 8 p.m. However, the aircraft never made it back to its base. Data shows that shortly after 8 p.m., the helicopter drifted right of the established flight track and began to descend, with its ground speed increasing from 93 knots to 115 knots.
Witnesses reported seeing a “solid light traveling quickly at a steep angle” and a “giant orange ball” falling into the forest. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the helicopter struck a tree and came to rest about 600 feet away, catching fire after the crash. The debris field, initially thought to be 100 yards long, was later determined to be approximately 200 yards in length.
Other Recent Incidents
Several other helicopter crashes have made headlines in recent months. In Hawaii, a tour flight crashed in December, resulting in seven fatalities. June saw a helicopter collide with a skyscraper in New York City, bursting into flames and claiming the pilot’s life. Additionally, a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian crashed in northwestern Iran, leading to multiple casualties.
Impact on News Organizations
These incidents have had a significant impact on news organizations and their ability to gather aerial footage. The loss of experienced crew members, such as Smith and Dougherty, has an effect on the quality and timeliness of news coverage. Furthermore, these crashes have raised concerns about the safety of electronic news gathering (ENG) flights and have prompted discussions about potential improvements in safety measures and regulations for news helicopter operations.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Mechanical Issues
Mechanical failures play a significant role in helicopter crashes. System failures rank among the top causes of incidents, particularly in non-commercial helicopter operations. In some cases, tail rotor failure can lead to a loss of control, causing the helicopter to rotate 360 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. Additionally, issues with autorotation systems can necessitate emergency landings, as seen in a recent incident reported by the Utah Fire Authority.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions have a substantial impact on helicopter safety. Inadvertent Entry into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IIMC) poses the highest risk for helicopters in the commercial air transport category. Pilots encountering fog, light rain, or snow showers, especially in mountainous terrain, face significant challenges. Poor visibility in nighttime conditions, particularly in remote areas with few navigational lights, can lead to disorientation and accidents.
Also Read : Attorney General Ohio: Breaking News and Updates
Pilot Error
Pilot-related factors contribute to a large number of helicopter incidents. These include:
- Loss of situational awareness
- Inadequate flight path management
- Failure to see and avoid obstacles
- Insufficient experience or training
Maintaining constant concentration is crucial for helicopter pilots, as even momentary lapses can have severe consequences. Fatigue and loss of focus are major contributors to accidents. In some cases, pilots’ failure to adhere to weather guidelines or maintain clearance from obstacles like power lines has resulted in fatal crashes.
Other Potential Factors
Aircraft upset, defined as unintentionally exceeding normal operational parameters, is a leading cause of helicopter incidents across all categories. This can involve extreme pitch attitudes, excessive bank angles, or inappropriate airspeeds for given conditions. Additionally, intentional low-flying maneuvers and quick planning requirements for certain flight operations can increase the risk of accidents.
Safety Measures and Regulations
Current Safety Protocols
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented comprehensive safety protocols for electronic news gathering (ENG) operations. These protocols encompass pilot licensing, aircraft maintenance, and operational procedures to ensure the highest safety standards. ENG pilots must comply with all applicable sections of Title 14 CFR part 91, which contains what were previously known as federal aviation regulations (FAR).
To enhance safety, the FAA strongly recommends that ENG operators establish and implement training programs specific to ENG operations. These programs should include:
- Safety Risk Management (SRM) basic tenets
- Safety Management Systems (SMS)
- Aeronautical decision-making (ADM)
- Crew Resource Management (CRM)
- Operational training in the specific environment
- Aircraft-specific ground and flight training
- Visual scanning techniques with ENG-specific equipment training
- Broadcast-specific training by the respective station
FAA Regulations
The FAA has proposed new regulations for the air ambulance industry, which can be applied to ENG operations. These include:
- Mandating helicopter terrain awareness and warning systems (HTAWS)
- Requiring radar altimeters for all Part 135 helicopters
- Implementing Part 135 weather minimums for all legs of flights
- Establishing risk management programs
- Installing flight data monitoring devices
- Requiring pilots to demonstrate recovery from inadvertent flight into IMC during annual training
Industry Best Practices
Leading helicopter operators often exceed minimum legal requirements by adopting best practices that further enhance safety. These include:
- Advanced pilot training, including emergency procedures and customer service
- Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment with the latest safety features and navigation technology
- Providing transparent communication and clear safety instructions to passengers
Proposed Improvements
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has selected items for its 2021-2022 Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements. Two recommendations affecting the rotorcraft industry are:
- Requiring and verifying the effectiveness of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in all revenue passenger-carrying aviation operations
- Installing crash-resistant recorders and establishing flight data monitoring (FDM) programs
The Helicopter Association International (HAI) strongly recommends that all aviation operations, not just those carrying passengers for hire, adopt an SMS program. This structured, ongoing process to improve operational safety is endorsed by aviation regulators and safety organizations worldwide as the best way to systematically manage aviation risk.
Conclusion
Action news helicopter crashes have shed light on the critical need for enhanced safety measures in electronic news gathering operations. The recent incidents, including the tragic Chopper 6 crash in New Jersey, have a significant impact on news organizations and their ability to provide timely coverage. These events underscore the importance of addressing mechanical issues, weather conditions, and pilot-related factors to prevent future accidents.
To improve safety, the FAA and industry leaders are taking steps to implement more robust regulations and best practices. These include mandating advanced warning systems, establishing risk management programs, and enhancing pilot training. The adoption of Safety Management Systems and flight data monitoring programs are also crucial to systematically manage aviation risk. These efforts aim to create a safer environment for news helicopter operations, ultimately protecting the lives of crew members and maintaining the quality of aerial news coverage.
FAQs
What occurred with the 6abc news helicopter?
The 6abc helicopter collided with a tree and subsequently landed approximately 600 feet from the initial impact site. Following the crash, the helicopter ignited. It was reported that small fragments of the helicopter were scattered around the crash site, the instrument panel was detached, and the airframe sustained significant damage.
What is the primary cause of most helicopter crashes?
According to the Pilot Institute, a prominent aviation training organization, pilot error is identified as the most common cause of helicopter crashes.
What led to the helicopter crash in Philadelphia?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that the helicopter underwent a rapid change in altitude, leading to an acceleration in the rotor system and a subsequent loss of power in the engines. The NTSB’s report also noted that the helicopter was executing a normal descent from 3,700 feet to 3,400 feet around noon on the day of the accident.
How likely is it to experience a helicopter crash?
Helicopter crashes are relatively rare. According to data from the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, the fatal accident rate for helicopters in the United States over the last five years stands at 0.73 per 100,000 flight hours.
