NTSB: NEED TO ACT URGENTLY TO REDUCE AIR AMBULANCE CRASHES
Nine medical helicopters have crashed since last December in the United States causing the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to call upon the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) to institute more stringent operating rules. Other proposals include requiring the air ambulance companies to identify potential risks pre-flight and to install devices to warn pilots of a danger of striking the ground or other obstructions.
Earlier this month, an Air Angels medical helicopter crashed in Aurora after striking a radio tower wire killing all four aboard the aircraft.
The Chicago Suntimes reported that 2008 was the deadliest year on record for medical transport helicopters. 'We need to put the foot down to the pedal. People are dying,'' NTSB board member Debbie Hersman said. ''There needs to be a sense of urgency. The fatalities are going up and up.''
