The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is urging helicopter manufacturer, Robinson Helicopter Company to change the fuel tanks in its four-seat R44 choppers to avoid unnecessary deadly accidents.
According to an LA Times article titled: “NTSB urges fix on Robinson helicopter fuel tanks after fatalities,” the NTSB made their recommendation after investigating R44 helicopter accidents where the occupants should have survived but didn’t because of a post-crash fire that was caused by “an impact-related breach in the fuel tanks.”
Robinson-Manufacturing Low-Cost Helicopters for Forty Years
Robinson Helicopter Company has manufactured low-cost helicopters since 1973. Their customers include television news organizations, banks-for money transport and police departments for surveillance and rescue missions.
The company has produced nearly 6,000 of the single-engine R44 helicopters since 1993 with most of its sales overseas.
FAA and Robinson Helicopters Agree with Safety Recommendations
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesman said the agency is aware of the recommendation and takes the NTSB recommendation very seriously. Still, the FAA has not issued a mandatory fix as of yet. The article states that Robinson Helicopters supports the NTSB recommendation and that it will provide retrofit kits and a $1,000 labor credit to their customers to fix the fuel tanks and encourage compliance.
Helicopter Accidents Require Qualified Legal Representation
Injury and loss from a helicopter accident can be extremely traumatic and complex. Victims need to know where they can go for legal guidance. As experienced helicopter accident lawyers, we conclude through rigorous investigation when accidents are the result of defective parts, improper maintenance, negligent operation or negligence by ground crew or in the air. That’s why it’s critical victims seek a personal injury firm with experience handling cases both for injured aircraft passengers and for property owners who sustained damages and/or injuries from a crash.