Prominent aviation attorney Justin Green described Sunday’s fatal helicopter crash as a “rookie mistake,” emphasizing the importance of pilot experience. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in the tour flight industry.
In the aftermath of Sunday's fatal helicopter accident involving National Helicopter Solutions, renowned aviation attorney Justin Green provided his perspective on the incident, describing it as a "rookie mistake." Green, who has a wealth of experience in aviation law and crash investigations, emphasized the importance of pilot experience in assuring the safety of flights during an interview with KPRC 2 Investigates.
According to Green, one of the primary factors in any disaster investigation is the pilot's experience, particularly their local experience. His expertise is derived from a career that has involved the investigation of a multitude of aviation incidents, including the tragic 2009 mid-air collision over the Hudson River, which resulted in the loss of nine lives.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is scheduled to conduct a comprehensive investigation, with a final report anticipated within the next twelve to eighteen months. Green observed that tour flights, particularly in urban environments, pose distinctive risks due to the variable levels of pilot professionalism and experience. He elaborated, "Tour flights are among the most hazardous forms of aviation."
National Helicopter Solutions has been conducting excursions for only 11 days and has connections to Ellington Airport and David Wayne Hooks Airport in Northwest Harris County. Green suggested that the absence of operational history could be a significant factor in comprehending the circumstances that led to the disaster. The industry is under increased scrutiny of safety protocols and pilot training in tour operations as the NTSB continues its investigation.
