Helicopter Crash Could Have Been Avoided

According to reports this week, an investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard into a helicopter crash that occurred April 20, 2010 in Lake Huron states the incident  could have been avoided.  The Times Herald reports that  a Coast Guard Air Station Detroit helicopter was in the middle of a training routine just north of the Coast Guard station in Port Huron when it crashed in to the lake.  The three crew members on board escaped the crashing helicopter without injury.  The investigation indicates that “no single factor” caused the accident, but “it could have been avoided had the crew been more deliberate in recognizing their limitations.  Four factors were stated to contribute to the crash, including Failure to maintain situational awareness.  The complete memo may be found in  the Coast Guard’s FOIA reading room at  at www.uscg.mil/foia/docs/CG 6523 FAM.pdf.