NTSB Says Helicopter Pilot Made "Improper Decision" Before Crash

[Worldcrime]

NTSB Says Helicopter Pilot Made "Improper Decision" Before Crash

 

Last Edited: Wednesday, 02 Apr 2008, 6:00 AM EDT

Created: Wednesday, 02 Apr 2008, 6:00 AM EDT

 

 

DAGSBORO, Del. (AP) -- The National Transportation Safety Board has released a probable cause report on the Dec. 2006 helicopter crash in a field near Dagsboro that killed a local developer and his pilot.

 

According to the report, 30-year-old pilot Danielle Howell of Richmond, Va., made an "improper decision" to take off before the evening crash. The report also lists fog and dark conditions as contributing factors.

 

The NTSB also found no evidence in the wreckage of any mechanical malfunctions present before the crash.

 

Besides Howell, the crash killed 42-year-old developer Joshua Freeman, of Gaithersburg, Md. Before his death, Freeman served as president and chief executive officer of the Carl M. Freeman Companies.

 

posted by Richard

 

www.heli-safety.com

[rotor91]

She landed at a golf course, to pick him up. It was dark moonless night, with ground fog. I believe it was a 407 as well. Shortly after takeoff, got into IMC, and well....we know the outcome. Whoever is in the backseat or your upfront passenger....the PIC has final word of go/no go decision. Very sad, I heard she was super nice, and a good pilot.

 

R91

[Firepilot]

One bad decision can have horrible consequences. I taught her to fly, and I'll say she was one of the best students I ever had. Alisa worked her ass off to get her ratings. She'll be missed by everyone who knew her.

[K-38]

I'm sorry for your loss. R.I.P.

[RotorWeed]

This loss of life is very sad. One thing that has always troubled me about this accident is why a non instrument rated commercial pilot was flying Part 135 charter in a bell 407?