2020 Midair Collision Revisited – Episode 221
New evidence calls into question the NTSB’s conclusions – and our reporting in Episode 193 – about a 2020 midair collision. Video and other information shows that there were two helicopters in the area before the midair collision.
Miles O’Brien, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia revisit the 2020 midair collision of a drone and a helicopter. The NTSB used a video shot by the drone to conclude that a helicopter seen at the beginning of the video later collided with the drone.
When Todd recently used the video as part of a class he was teaching, he noticed a shadow that he could not explain. That led to lots of sleuthing and the realization of the involvement of a second helicopter.
Safety concerns arise when one or more helicopters operate around a drone. In addition to this 2020 collision, a midair between two news-gathering helicopters in 2007 that killed everyone on both helicopters.
Miles shares his experiences flying in situations where multiple helicopters are covering a breaking news story. Pilots of manned and unmanned aircraft need to coordinate closely to maintain safe operations.
The NTSB should consider taking a second look and revising its report to address the aviation safety issues uncovered. John shares his experience on the NTSB Board and what it took to reopen an investigation when new information was available.
Related Documents:
NTSB report from 2020 midair collision between a drone and a helicopter
NTSB report from 2007 midair collision between two news helicopters
