Fatal crashes of medical helicopters
Accident rates are rising (NYT):
…the industry’s rapid, competitive growth may also be exacting a toll. Federal regulators and some doctors worry that the pool of skilled helicopter pilots has become drained and that some of those flying are making poor decisions. In addition, some companies are flying older helicopters that lack the instruments needed to help pilots navigate safely. Of the 27 fatal medical helicopter accidents that occurred between 1998 and 2004, 21 were at night and often in bad weather, according to federal statistics.”
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I used to moonlight as a flight physician on a helicopter transport service back in the early 1990’s. Back then, safety was considered paramount. The pilots and the pilots alone made the final decision about whether we flew or not on any given night when the weather was questionable. I had no say in the matter, nor did the higher-ups.