Viewing the Manhattan skyline from any vantage point is impressive, but when seen from aloft the Big Apple skyline becomes a breathtaking experience. In March 2018, a New York tour operator launched an Airbus AS350 helicopter with a pilot and five passengers for what was expected to be a 30-minute dusk flight near the East River. The spectacular element of the flight—in addition to flying at 500 feet—was that most of the helicopter’s doors were removed, allowing passengers to extend their feet outside the machine. Riders were kept in their seats by a special restraining system that needed to be cut off during an emergency. The preflight briefing included instructions from the pilot on how to locate and use the cutting tool for the harnesses if it were needed.
NTSB Says Enough to Helicopter Flights With Open Doors
Key Takeaways:
- A 2018 doors-off helicopter tour in New York City tragically crashed into the East River, resulting in five passenger fatalities after a supplemental restraint system interfered with the aircraft's fuel shutoff valve.
- The NTSB investigation found the tour exploited an "aerial photography" regulatory loophole, allowing the use of unapproved harnesses and deficient safety management, which trapped passengers in a survivable accident.
- The NTSB strongly urged the FAA to close this loophole, mandate rapid-release for any supplemental restraints used in commercial flights, and implement comprehensive national safety standards and safety management systems for all air tour operations.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
