Pilot Killed in Helicopter Crash in Fresno County

Helicopter Pilot Killed in Crash Identified

A pilot was found dead in Fresno County after crashing his helicopter last month. He has been identified as 53-year-old Steven Wilson of Shafter, California.

What Happened in the Accident?

According to Fresno County Sheriff deputies, Wilson was flying a 1967 Bell UH-1H crop-dusting helicopter over a field late in the evening when he was reported missing. The crop-dusting company he worked for, American Ag Aviation, contacted the sheriff’s office after it lost contact with him.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) sent out its helicopter to search for Wilson but could not find him. Sheriff deputies located the missing chopper several hours later after they pinged Wilson’s cell phone.

Wilson was found dead in the wreckage in a pistachio orchard near Sonoma and Chandler avenues, just outside Coalinga. He was the only person in the helicopter. The sheriff’s office says Wilson had worked with American Ag Aviation for over 20 years.

The Crash is Under Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating to determine what led to the crash. Officials said the helicopter may have clipped some power lines, which may have caused the crash. Investigators will also look at several factors that could have caused the accident, including wind.

How Common Are Helicopter Crashes?

Statistics show the odds of being in a helicopter crash are very relatively low, and the fatality rates are even lower. A helicopter accident is a rare occurrence, but it can often result in serious injuries or deaths when it happens. However, helicopters crash at a higher rate than airplanes, and the NTSB reported that choppers have a 35 percent higher risk of crashing than airplanes.

According to the FAA:

• In the first six months of 2019, 15 fatal helicopter crashes were reported, resulting in 27 deaths.
• In 2015, the FAA reported 121 helicopter accidents, 17 involving death.
• In 2016, 106 helicopter crashes were reported, of which 17 people were killed.

Why are Helicopters so Dangerous?

The main reason helicopters are dangerous is that they are often used in risky situations and in locations not easily accessible by planes. Choppers are beneficial for search and rescue efforts, extinguishing wildfires, conducting emergency medical evacuations, or participating in military operations.

Leading Causes of a Helicopter Crash

Several factors could cause a helicopter accident. They can result from pilot error, mechanical failure, or other reasons. Below are some of the most common causes:

• Air traffic controller error
• Bad weather
• Engine failure
• FAA violations
• Faulty parts
• Helicopter design problem
• Inexperienced pilot
• Landing error
• Overloading
• Pilot error
• Repair or maintenance mistakes

Birds being sucked into the aviation’s propeller can cause the aircraft to crash just as quickly as a sleep-deprived, distracted or inexperienced pilot. Whatever the cause of the crash, injured individuals and their families are entitled to compensation if they have been injured in an aviation accident.

Watch YouTube Video: Several Helicopters Crash Across the U.S. In the video below, NBC News report on the series of helicopter crashes in the U.S.