2020 Midair Collision Revisited - Episode 221

New evidence calls into question the NTSB's conclusions - and our reporting in Episode 193 - about a 2020 midair collision. Video and other information shows that there were two helicopters in the area before the midair collision.
Miles O'Brien, Todd Curtis, and John Goglia revisit the 2020 midair collision of a drone and a helicopter. The NTSB used a video shot by the drone to conclude that a helicopter seen at the beginning of the video later collided with the drone.
When Todd recently used the video as part of a class he was teaching, he noticed a shadow that he could not explain. That led to lots of sleuthing and the realization of the involvement of a second helicopter.
Safety concerns arise when one or more helicopters operate around a drone. In addition to this 2020 collision, a midair between two news-gathering helicopters in 2007 that killed everyone on both helicopters.
Miles shares his experiences flying in situations where multiple helicopters are covering a breaking news story. Pilots of manned and unmanned aircraft need to coordinate closely to maintain safe operations.
The NTSB should consider taking a second look and revising its report to address the aviation safety issues uncovered. John shares his experience on the NTSB Board and what it took to reopen an investigation when new information was available.
Related Documents:
NTSB report from 2020 midair collision between a drone and a helicopter
NTSB report from 2007 midair collision between two news helicopters
NTSB Public Docket for Investigation DCA20IA081
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Music: “Inspirational Sports” license ASLC-22B89B29-052322DDB8

[@paul7232]

Proof that old investigators do not just fade away. They have the experience, time and drive that modern government agencies cannot afford.

[@snowcub7139]

As a resident of Los Angeles, I am frequently involved in unwanted helo news recordings. In a big story there can be as many as 8 flying machines including the police unit which is not on the news frequency. To top it off, I am in the VNY flight area and everyday small aircraft are guiding a block away using the 405 frwy. Needless to say, I am always listening to sounds in the sky and worry about accidents. I feel so helpless.

[@wolfpack4694]

What’s truly amazing to me is the lack of preflight coordination between the helicopter crew(s) and the drone pilot, especially since the UA pilot is not on aviation radios. Many crews erroneously assume drone pilots will see and hear them in time to get out of their way. There have been more collisions than this one. They were lucky.

[@65gtotrips]

Not only a difference in blades, but one of the helicopters has a spotlight or camera or sensor pod beneath the cockpit.

[@zlm001]

Thanks

[@PauldeVrieze]

In the video you can also see the shadow of the "visible" helicopter, confirming that the direction of the sun is such that the phantom shadow can not be from the visible helicopter. Therefore there must be a second helicopter.

[@gracelandone]

Good episode identifying the cutting edge of deconfliction. This problem will only grow worse as the number of drones and aircraft increase. Let’s not learn this lesson the hard way.

[@antoniobranch]

I think the NTSB needs to subcontract with you guys.

[@amywright2243]

Can't wait to listen to this one!

[@TeemarkConvair]

i suspect that blood will have to be spilled before any action is contemplated.

[@thatguy7085]

Yes, there are two helicopters.
And those are two different types of helicopter.
One is a Bell Jet Ranger… the other is a A350
The A350 hit the drone

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

the only way more regulation will be accepted is if both sides give something...
maybe, in exchange for the drones operating with helicopter being required to have transponders & collision avoidance technology, have helicopter pilots be required to PROVE their necessity on scene to some sort of committee.. after all, a helicopter is necessarily more dangerous and less fuel efficient than a drone. and an all-drone environment will do a lot to alleviate human casualties

[@stevenhasse2305]

That's some version of Bell 206.

[@antoniobranch]

I think the NTSB needs to subcontract with you guys.

[@erichusmann5145]

At least to review key reports and make sure something wasn't missed.

[@antoniobranch]

I totally agree.