National Transportation Safety Board outlines next steps in deadly helicopter collision investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board continues the investigation into the deadly helicopter crash that killed two firefighters and one pilot in Cabazon on Sunday evening.
The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are taking over the investigation of the collision. The NTSB tells us their drone teams will be on scene to survey the wreckage on Tuesday.
The names of those who died were released by fire officials. CAL FIRE Division Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, CAL FIRE Captain Tim Rodriguez and Exclusive Use Helicopter Pilot Tony Sousa were in the helicopter when it crashed.
“On behalf of the National Transportation Safety Board, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragedy," said Eleazar Nepomuceno, Aviation Accident Investigator with the NTSB.
Fire officials said Chief Bishof had been on the force for 24 years, and Rodriguez for 19 years.
The two firefighters and a contracted pilot were in a small bell helicopter when it came crashing down. The other helicopter involved landed safely, which will play a big role in the investigation.
“The team consists of two NTSB personnel, one FAA personnel and representatives from the manufacturer and operators," Nepomuceno explained. “We’ll examine the airframe, the engine and others components as necessary.”
Remnants of the crash can be seen from up above, with emergency personnel on the ground throughout Monday to survey the wreckage.
"Once the wreckage has been recovered, our team will gather archived information, which will include the pilot, the machine and the environment. We will look at the pilots their certificates and ratings held the recency and any flight training history will examine the airframe, the engine and others components as necessary, which may include a follow up examination at a later date, which will also include a review of the maintenance history," said Nepomuceno.
The NTSB will also be looking at environmental factors. including lighting and weather conditions.
After documenting what’s left and speaking to witnesses, the NTSB will relocate the wreckage to a secure facility in Arizona.
“If during the course of our investigation, we discovered any systematic deficiencies. We may issue safety recommendations designed to prevent similar future accidents," he said.
A preliminary report is expected to be released in at least 15 business days. A full report would take somewhere between 18-to-24 months.
