During the February 9 hearing into the fatal loss-of-control helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and eight others last year, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt characterized the accident pilot’s decision to continue the VFR flight into IMC as “SLOJ” or “sudden loss of judgment.” During the hearing, Sumwalt stressed the need for passenger-carrying Part 135 operators to develop and maintain IFR proficiency and for wider use of scenario-based training. AIN spoke to Sumwalt after the hearing and posed questions concerning Part 135 helicopter operations and safety. It should be noted that the pilot in this accident held a helicopter flight instructor-Instrument certificate and was qualified to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Why do you think some pilots who fly VFR into IMC have such a problem getting on the instruments and avoiding loss of control?
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