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Dear Readers,
We make a special effort here to record the facts as we receive them. At times, there may be error but we do try to use our best judgement at the time of posting, and will be glad to amend any details which are proved incorrect. Furthermore, even though we do not here discuss the human cost, we realize that losing anyone in an air accident is insurmountable tragedy to individuals, families and communities. We do extend our heartfelt sympathy to those whose loss we record here. "...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for..." us all.
Meditation XVII - (with apologies to) John Donne


2009/01/05

Federal Officials Investigating Louisiana Crash


What: Sikorsky S-76C helicopter, operated by PHI Inc
Where: Louisiana marshland - Bayou Penchant area about 100 miles from New Orleans in southwestern Terrebonne Parish
When: Sunday Jan. 4, 2009
Who: eight fatalities, one survivor. The helicoptor was carrying two pilots and seven passengers The dead were identified as Allen Boudreaux, of Ama, La.; Andrew Moricio and Ezequiel Cantu of Morgan City, La.; Randy Tarpley of Jonesville, La.; Jorey A. Rivero, of Bridge City, La.; Charles W. Nelson of Pensacola, Fla.; Thomas E. Ballenger of Eufaula, Ala. and Vyarl W. Martin of Hurst, Texas. The injured survivor is Steven Yeltin was medevacted; he is listed as being in critical condition and is awaiting to be transferred to Oschner Medical Center from the Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in Houma. Mike Moreno, CEO of the Moreno Group along with Dynamic Industries, employed five of the victims.
Why: The helicopter is believed to have crashed about seven minutes after it took off at 3 p.m, A distress signal was received just after 3. The NTSB investigation is well underway and the black box has already been recovered.

1 comment:

amclaussen said...

Please correlate this "accident" to a very similar one in Europe, involving same type and make of Helicopter. In trhe european case, Sikorsky produced defective hydraulic components that caused the helicopter to lose control and crash into the sea. In Europe Sikorsky has been sued and is going to have to pay for damages and the death of more than 11 persons.