The convenience and adaptability of helicopters partially accounts for their commonplace use in both private and public capacities. Helicopters are used for a variety of applications including as a means for corporate travel, tourist sightseeing, medical transport and even in some logging operations. The complex design of helicopters provides for their utility, but it also creates dangers unique to their operation. In the event of power loss to a helicopter’s rotor, the aircraft’s design will allow for auto-rotation but only for a short time. Moreover, any malfunction with vital components such as the main rotor can result in helicopter accidents.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the first occurrence of an accident often happens when helicopters are engaged in maneuvers that are unique to their capabilities, such as hovering or carrying external loads. The determination of the first occurrence in an accident is considered in how and why the accident began. The finding of the first occurrence in the chain of events is central to determining and distinguishing between the causes of and factors contributing to a helicopter accident.

However, determining a causal factor in the event of a helicopter crash can sometimes be more difficult than in the case of a plane crash. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) helicopter regulations do not always require them to be equipped with a black box, the device that records vital flight data. Furthermore, the utility of helicopters often can put them in situations that increase the odds for an accident. Ferrying workers to offshore oil rigs, flying close to the ground where tension and electrical wires are a factor, and hovering in rescue situations are all common tasks in which helicopters are involved. Pilots, though, are well aware of these situations and should be trained for these conditions and events.

In light of these complex conditions, helicopter crash attorneys with the resources and experience to navigate the investigation and the development of the case are necessary in order to try the matter. The helicopter crash lawyers at Clifford Law Offices have extensive resources that are brought to bear on all of its helicopter crash cases. The aviation attorneys at the firm also have valuable experience in investigating and litigating helicopter crash accidents. Robert A. Clifford obtained a $10 million settlement for the family of a Brazilian entrepreneur who was killed with his wife as they took a short helicopter flight from New York to New Jersey. The pilot, who also was killed, flew into inclement weather and was unable to steer the aircraft safely. In another case, Kevin P. Durkin, partner at the firm, successfully settled a case for $4.1 million on behalf of a photographer killed in a helicopter that crashed into a northwestern suburban home in Chicago.

Please visit our Record of Justice to read more about specific aviation cases.

Below is a partial list of our helicopter crash cases.