Recent Medical Helicopter Crash Shows Fatality Rate Still Troubling

A LifeFlight helicopter crashed about 80 miles south of Montgomery, Alabama, killing all four people on board. According to reports, the helicopter had been called after a motorist struck a ditch and a utility pole in a one-car vehicle crash about 11 p.m. Shortly after picking up the patient, the chopper crashed in a heavily wooded area. Although the helicopter was reported missing about 12:15 a.m., the wreckage wasn’t discovered for nearly seven hours later, about a half-mile from the scene of the vehicle crash. All four people on board the helicopter -- pilot, flight nurse flight medic, and patient were killed. An investigation is ongoing, but poor weather conditions will be one area of focus; conditions were reportedly foggy with low visibility at the time of the crash.

Medical helicopters are supposed to save lives, not take them. Factors contributing to medical helicopter accidents can also be the result of a mechanical failure or pilot error. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), they are frequently caused by pilot loss of control when operating in low light or low visibility conditions such night in rain, for, or snow. Because medical helicopters operate in close proximity to the ground, the probability of a crash increases dramatically once the pilot loses visual references. In January 2006, the NTSB recommended night vision goggles and a Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS) be installed on all medevac helicopters. A computer screen in the cockpit would provide visual and aural warnings when the helicopter is in danger of crashing into the ground or obstacles, even at night or in severe weather with limited visibility. The warnings allow the pilot to take evasive action to keep the crew and passengers safe. Of the 55 crashes reviewed in the NTSB report, night-vision goggles may have prevented 13; TAWS might have prevented another 17.

It wasn’t until February 2014, that the Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees air ambulance companies, issued a final ruling. By 2017, medical helicopters must use the latest on-board technology and equipment to avoid terrain and obstacles, and by 2018, they must be equipped with flight data monitoring systems. The FAA examined helicopter air ambulance accidents from 1991 through 2010 and determined 62 accidents that claimed 125 lives could have been mitigated by the rule. It is unknown at this time whether the LifeFlight helicopter was equipped with TAWS. Even beyond safety equipment and other changes under the new FAA ruling, operators must invest in training pilots and quality improvement measures.

Regardless of the new rules, not all air ambulance accidents can be prevented. Trial lawyers can help families in the aftermath of a tragic loss and hold negligent companies responsible for the harm they caused. An attorney will not only look at pilot error and possible mechanical failure, but also whether the warning system was aboard the medical helicopter. Also to be considered is whether the flight was medically necessary? Studies have shown that many missions undertaken by helicopter ambulances are medically unnecessary and expose the patient and crew to inappropriate and unwarranted risks.

In any event, it will likely take several months or as much as a year or longer for the NTSB to determine the cause of the crash,” according to Peter Knudson, a spokesman for the NTSB, delaying any lawsuits from reaching a settlement. In the meantime, lawsuit funding can help families of these victims get through the litigation process without having pressing bills and expenses effect the value of their case. A one-page application is all that is needed to get started. There is no need for a credit check or employment verification. When the lawsuit successfully settles, repayment of the cash advance is made from the case proceeds. If the case fails, the repayment is waived. Funding decisions are usually made within 24 – 48 hours of receiving case documentation. If you find yourself running short on money while your lawsuit is pending and you await justice, call Lawsuit Financial, toll free, at 1-877-377-SUIT (7848) for a free analysis of your case funding situation.