Report claims Md. pilot switched off systems before copter crash
Associated Press
Copyright 2008 Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board says the fatal crash of a medical helicopter in the District in May 2006 was likely caused when the pilot accidentally switched off the aircraft's engine control systems, didn't realize the error and then lost control of the aircraft.
In its report, the board also said the helicopter's operator did not have an adequate training program to familiarize pilots with the differences between the types of helicopters in its fleet.
The crash occurred as pilot Darryl Johnson, 58, of Damascus, Md., was about to land at Washington Hospital Center. The helicopter crashed on the golf course at of the U.S. Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Johnson, flight nurse Nancy Vanderweele, 39, of Silver Spring, Md., and flight paramedic David Martin, 33, of Haymarket, Va., were injured. Steven Gaston, 51, was killed.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The National Transportation Safety Board says the fatal crash of a medical helicopter in the District in May 2006 was likely caused when the pilot accidentally switched off the aircraft's engine control systems, didn't realize the error and then lost control of the aircraft.
In its report, the board also said the helicopter's operator did not have an adequate training program to familiarize pilots with the differences between the types of helicopters in its fleet.
The crash occurred as pilot Darryl Johnson, 58, of Damascus, Md., was about to land at Washington Hospital Center. The helicopter crashed on the golf course at of the U.S. Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Johnson, flight nurse Nancy Vanderweele, 39, of Silver Spring, Md., and flight paramedic David Martin, 33, of Haymarket, Va., were injured. Steven Gaston, 51, was killed.
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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