NTSB chairman says collision could have been avoided
September 21, 2010, 03:09 pm
When an airplane and helicopter collided over the Hudson River last year, many people were left wondering how it happened. The National Transportation Safety Board recently announced that a concept known as "see and avoid" and a distracted air traffic controller led to the accident.
The NTSB says the air traffic controller was engaged in a personal conversation at the time of the collision. Plus, the airplane pilot was not able to see the helicopter until right before the accident took place.
However, NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman says the accident didn't have to happen.
"While traffic alerts go a long way in helping pilots 'see and avoid' other aircraft, these technologies are not, in and of themselves, enough to keep us safe," says Hersman. "Strong operating procedures, professionalism, and commitment to the task at hand - these are all essential to safety."
The accident resulted in nine people losing their lives. The collision highlights the importance for anyone who frequently flies of having a life insurance policy. Even the most experienced pilots can meet trouble in the sky.
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