There has been yet another medical helicopter crash. This most recent one occurred in Midlothian in Ellis County, Texas. Two persons have been injured in the crash that involved a CareFlite medical helicopter on a maintenance flight.

The two victims were the pilot and a mechanic. According to Midlothian police, the tail section of the helicopter came loose during the flight, and the helicopter went down in a ball of fire. One other helicopter nearby tried to land and assist the downed helicopter, but was unable to do so because of the fire.

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have reached the scene of the crash, and have initiated their investigation. Other investigations will be conducted by the Midlothian police

A preliminary investigation indicates that the main rotor of the helicopter became detached from the aircraft. This caused the tail section of the helicopter, to come off and fall to the ground intact. Apparently, the helicopter had been in maintenance for rotor issues.

In a time of increased scrutiny over aviation safety, some of the tension surrounding medical helicopter safety has dissipated a bit. The fact is that medical helicopters are involved in a disproportionate number of crashes every year.

In 2008, there was a Congressional hearing into the safety of medical helicopters after a series of fatal crashes that killed more than 30 people, including patients, paramedics and helicopter crew. At the hearing, statistics revealed that the crash rates for medical helicopters were nearly double that for helicopters used for commercial purposes, or to transport workers. To put it in perspective, one aviation safety official estimated that if there were as many commercial airliner crashes as there are medical helicopter crashes every year, then we would have more than 80 airline crashes across the US annually.

This medical helicopter crash is obviously more painful, because it occurred so close to home. It’s also proof to Houston injury lawyers that more needs be done when it comes to enhancing medical helicopter safety.

Vuk Vujasinovic is a Board Certified Houston personal injury attorney who practices Houston auto accident and other personal injury cases.

For more info on how Vuk can help you with your potential case please call him at (877) 724-7800 or fill out the contact form on the right.

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