SAN DIEGO — A Navy investigation into a September incident in which two Coronado-based helicopters accidentally touched down in Lake Tahoe, damaging the choppers, ended with
administrative measures against the pilots, possibly ending their flying
careers.
The measures — which were not specified — are being taken by the Navy against the aircrew and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41.10News’ media partner, The San Diego Union-Tribune, reported that two instructor pilots lost their flying status, a move that could be career-ending, and that retraining was ordered for two younger pilots.
Read the entire 10News.com story here.
Related article: Helo Crews Slammed for Tahoe Dip (NavyTimes)
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Here is the release from the NAVY:
December 22, 2010 PRESS RELEASE #: 2010014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Investigation Completed into HSM-41 Helicopter Incident at Lake Tahoe
The command investigation into the inadvertent water landings at Lake
Tahoe in September of two helicopters assigned to Maritime Strike
Helicopter Squadron (HSM) 41 was completed Monday.
The investigation found that the mishap was entirely preventable had the
aircrew followed required directives for conducting cross-country
flights and applied more vigilant operational risk management. No
punitive actions are warranted as a result of the investigation, but
specific administrative measures are in progress for the aircrew and
squadron to prevent a similar incident in the future.
The investigation identified the decision of the aircraft commanders to
conduct hovers over Lake Tahoe without completing the necessary engine
performance calculations as the causal factor for the mishap. The
report also identified several contributing factors, including the
aircrew’s complacency, lack of flight discipline and lack of command
oversight in planning and executing cross-country flights.
The incident occurred Sept. 13 when two MH-60R helicopters assigned to
HSM-41 on the return leg of a cross-country training flight
inadvertently settled into the water while attempting unplanned hovers
over Lake Tahoe. Both aircraft regained sufficient power to resume
flight and safely landed at Lake Tahoe Airport. No one was injured in
the incident, and both aircraft were repaired and safely returned to NAS
North Island Sept. 16. The cost of repairs for both aircraft totaled
$505,751.20.
