NTSB Says Pilot Error Largely Caused Triple Fatal Air Crash
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — The National Transportation Safety Board says pilot error was the probable cause of a triple-fatal collision between a helicopter and a small plane near Frederick Municipal Airport in October 2014.
The May 23 report says both pilots failed to watch closely for known traffic as the airplane descended and the helicopter rose. All three people in the helicopter died.
The report says the plane was coming in lower and the helicopter rising more steeply than air-traffic rules prescribe.
The report also cites a lack of radar in the control tower. Airport Manager Rick Johnson told The Frederick News-Post Wednesday that radar isn't required at the general aviation airport.
The NTSB also says the air-traffic controller did an inadequate job of setting priorities for handling multiple aircraft in the traffic pattern.
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