Oct 31, 2008 7:14 pm US/Eastern
NTSB Releases Report On Medevac Crash
FORESTVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―
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The NTSB has released its preliminary report on the Sept. 27 medical helicopter crash near Forestville.
CBS
The preliminary investigation is out on the worst medical helicopter crash in Maryland history.
The Medevac crashed in poor weather last month in Prince George's County.
Mike Hellgren explains the preliminary report raises critical concerns about air traffic control at Andrews Air Force Base.
Some of the last transmissions from the Trooper Two chopper that crashed a month ago were obtained by
Eyewitness News.
A review of the National Transportation Safety Board finding reveals during an emergency landing approach at Andrews, the Medevac's pilot was having trouble with his glide slope, a piece of equipment used to clear vertical obstacles.
He requested a relatively rare type of landing, a surveillance radar approach. That's where the air traffic controller using the airport's radar directs the pilot close enough to where he can see the lights for a safe landing.
The NTSB report states, "The controller responded she was not current and qualified to provide that service. There were no further transmissions."
According to published reports, there is usually one air traffic controller on duty at Andrews throughout an eight-hour overnight period.
Even if the controller contacted had been trained to perform the landing, it would be difficult for a lone person to handle.
A NTSB board member, Debbie Hersman, previously spoke about the investigation.
"We know that this pilot was very familiar with Andrews. He was based there as well," said Hersman.
The crash killed four people on board. A patient was the lone survivor. At the time, Trooper Two was transporting car accident victims from Waldorf as the weather quickly deteriorated.
The crash temporarily grounded Maryland's Medevac fleet and resulted in thorough inspections of the remaining choppers.
This year, 28 people have died in Medevac crashes nationwide. That's compared to seven last year.
The National Transportation Safety Board is engaged in a full and detailed investigation of the accident and a full report will be issued upon completion.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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