NTSB releases 1st report on midair chopper crash

NTSB releases 1st report on midair chopper crash


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(AP Photo)

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- A report says ground dispatchers for both medical helicopters involved in a midair crash and at least one of the pilots knew both choppers were heading to a Flagstaff hospital.

But there is no indication in the initial National Transportation Safety Board report that the pilots were actively looking for each other in the moments before they collided. And it is unclear if the second helicopter's pilot knew about the other flight.

The June 29 crash less than a mile from Flagstaff Medical Center killed all seven people on board.

The report details communications between the pilots, their company ground controllers and hospital workers preparing for their arrival.

It draws no conclusions on the cause of the collision. That will be determined after an investigation expected to take about a year.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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