We posted last week regarding the terrible mid-air collision that occurred between a helicopter and a private plane over the skies of New York City. At the time, the cause of the crash had not been determined, which is common immediately after such a disaster occurs. Rescue workers spent days attempting to find the wreckage and the passengers, all while others were working diligently to recreate the scenario that could help explain how this disaster could possibly unfold.
Now comes word from the New York Times that there were errors committed by the air traffic controllers. According to the article:
“The air traffic controller monitoring the plane that hit a helicopter over the Hudson River last Saturday did not warn its pilot about traffic ahead, including the helicopter, and at the time had “initiated a nonbusiness-related phone call,” the National Transportation Safety Board said on Friday.
The Federal Aviation Administration, which employs air traffic controllers, said in a statement on Thursday evening that it was suspending the air traffic controller and his supervisor, but that “we have no reason to believe at this time that these actions contributed to the accident.”
On Friday, the safety board pointedly did not concur.
“The role that air traffic control might have played in this accident will be determined by the N.T.S.B. as the investigation progresses,” the board said in a statement. “Any opinions rendered at this time are speculative and premature.”
As can be seen, different parties are not in agreement as to the causation between the failure to warn and the accident that occurred. If you have suffered a loss as a result of an airplane accident, you need to contact the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Tue, Aug 18, 2009
Airplane Accidents