Taking a helicopter tour in Alaska is an exhilarating way to take in the beautiful views of the valleys, backcountry and glaciers. Unfortunately, these flightseeing tours do not always end with a sense of fulfillment and a collection of pictures to post online. Sometimes, they end in tragic accidents.
As incredible as helicopters are, helicopter crashes may result in serious injuries and fatalities. But what causes helicopters to crash?
Mechanical malfunctions
Helicopters are amazing pieces of machinery that are capable of great feats. They are constructed of many parts, including engines, gears, electronics and flight controls that must operate perfectly for safe flights. Mechanical errors may include problems with the following:
- Design
- Manufacturing
- Monitoring
- Maintenance
- Installation
Helicopters also have a lot of moving parts, making them susceptible to defects or extensive wear. When a single component or multiple components of a helicopter go haywire, the consequences can be disastrous.
Pilot mistakes
According to the Irish Times, another top cause of helicopter accidents is an operational error. Examples of operator failures include:
- Improperly planning a flight path
- Inadequately maintaining the helicopter
- Failure to partake in appropriate training
A pilot may also make mistakes while taking off or landing in unconventional places. Operators may also make errors in hazardous situations with poor visibility, hills, power lines and bridges. Any of these human errors may result in tragedy.
Suing for helicopter accidents
Whether an accident happens because of human or mechanical error, you may be able to file a lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries. You may be able to sue the pilot, tour company or the company responsible for maintenance.
If you are in a helicopter when it crashes, do not despair. You have legal options for covering your medical bills, lost time from work and long-term emotional effects. Talk to a lawyer if you are in a helicopter crash.
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