Washington, DC Helicopter Accident Lawyer

Helicopters have internal mechanisms inside the vehicle that needs to function exactly right to have a safe flight. When external factors are added to the equation (bad weather, human error, or equipment malfunctions) it can create a perfect storm. While accidents can happen for various reasons, the main causes of helicopter crashes are:

Design flaws/manufacturing defects

To function properly, each part of the helicopter needs to be designed and built correctly. The parts need to withstand harsh environments, intense pressure, and enormous amounts of stress. If a part is improperly made or poorly designed, it may fail mid-flight, causing a disastrous crash.

Pilot or operator error

Pilots should be trained for the worst to happen. That way, when errors and unexpected events occur, they may remain level headed while correcting the situation. When pilots are inexperienced, under the influence, or fatigued, deadly mistakes can happen. Too often, helicopter crashes are the result of a pilot failing to:

• Follow basic safety measures, like following the Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
• Follow the flight plan, or miscalculate the plan while in the air.
• Fuel the helicopter properly before a flight.
• Train properly.
• Fly only in safe conditions.
• Properly maintain or repair the helicopter.

Mechanical malfunctions

Ground maintenance crews are responsible for making sure the helicopter is in pristine condition before sending it out. Equipment should be thoroughly checked and tested for quality control before every flight. A helicopter may go down if a faulty piece of equipment was not repaired or replaced, or if parts were improperly installed.

Errors from air traffic control

Air traffic controllers have one of the most important jobs in the aviation industry. An air traffic controller is responsible for conveying flight patterns, traffic, and weather conditions to pilots. Errors an air traffic controller may make on the job are:

• Falling asleep on the job.
• Being impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Allowing two or more helicopters to fly too closely together.
• Misinterpretation of the radar.
• Allowing a helicopter pilot to fly in poor weather conditions.
• Allowing a pilot to land on a helipad that is not cleared for landing.
• Improperly or inadequately communicating with pilots.

Electrical malfunction

Sometimes, helicopter accidents are caused by malfunctions in the electrical components of the aircraft. If an electrical source fails, it can affect the entire aircraft, which can lead to the vehicle going down.

Bad weather

Though pilots and air traffic controllers cannot control the weather, it is their job to study forecasts and discern if the aircraft can sustain the weather that is predicted in their area. Helicopters are more volatile than airplanes. Pilots should look out for high winds, heavy rain, lightning, sleet, snow, and fog. If any inclement weather is predicted, the pilot should put off the flight until conditions improve.

Other causes of helicopter accidents include:

• Landing errors
• Engine failure
• FAA violations
• Mistakes during takeoff
• Improper loading