Accidents declined only slightly last year
Despite a strong push for better safety by HAI through a series of training and awareness programs, total helicopter accidents in the U.S.

Despite a strong push for better safety by HAI through a series of training and awareness programs, total helicopter accidents in the U.S. declined only slightly last year from 80 in 2006 to 78 in 2007, while the total number of fatal accidents increased. Fatalities and off-shore accidents also increased, according to a summary of accidents released by Boca Raton, Fla.-based aviation safety analyst Robert E. Breiling Associates.

According to the preliminary data, there were 12 fatal accidents last year, compared with 10 in 2006. Fatalities also increased, from 18 in 2006 to 21 last year. Furthermore, single-turbine accidents increased to 69 from 65 the year before, while twin-turbine accidents decreased from 15 in 2006 to nine last year. Breiling added that off-shore accidents increased by three.

Loading…