[09-10-2022] Riverside County, CA – Three People Injured After a Helicopter Crash at Banning

Three people aboard a helicopter assigned to assist with the Fairview fire were injured when the chopper crashed in a Banning backyard on Saturday afternoon, September 10, 2022.

According to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department spokesperson Rob Roseen, the Bell 206 helicopter crashed at approximately 3:52 p.m. as it attempted to land at Banning Municipal Airport, located at 200 S. Hathaway Street.

According to a Cal Fire media advisory, the chopper’s three crew members—one pilot and two fire personnel—suffered moderate injuries and were taken to a local trauma center for treatment and evaluation.

Roseen did not say whether the two firefighters were Cal Fire employees. Several regional fire departments have responded to the Fairview fire burning near Hemet.

There were no other injuries reported.

The chopper was privately owned and had been contracted by Cal Fire to assist in the firefight.

According to Roseen, the Bell 206 was not used to drop water or fire retardant, but he could not confirm what the chopper was used for.

According to a spec sheet from West Virginia’s Aviation Division, the aircraft is a family of two-bladed, single- and twin-engine helicopters widely used for transport, law enforcement, medevac, search and rescue, and other purposes.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s registry, the crashed helicopter is a 1980 Bell 206L-1 registered to B3 Consultants LLC in Delaware.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

According to Cal Fire officials, the Fairview fire had burned 28,307 acres and was 40% contained as of Saturday afternoon.

Helicopter Accident Statistics

While helicopters are generally considered to be safe aircraft, accidents do happen. In most cases, helicopter accidents result from pilot error, mechanical failure, or bad weather. However, there are some steps passengers can take to minimize their risk.
In 2018, there were a total of 1,252 helicopter accidents in the United States, resulting in 325 fatalities. Most of these accidents (65%) were due to pilot error, while another 18% were caused by mechanical failure. Weather conditions were a factor in 9% of accidents, and 6% were due to other causes. General aviation helicopters accounted for 72% of all accidents, while commercial helicopters made up the remaining 28%. When looking at specific fatal accidents, general aviation helicopters again accounted for the majority (70%), with commercial helicopters accounting for the other 30%.

For example, it is important to pay attention to the safety briefing before takeoff and to ensure that you are familiar with the location of the emergency exits. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the rotor blades. By following these simple safety tips, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight.

Riverside County Helicopter Accident Lawyers

Helicopter accidents can be extremely complex, and determining who is at fault can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced helicopter accident lawyer on your side. A good lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong case.

At Arash Law, our team of experienced helicopter accident lawyers in Riverside County has a proven track record of success. We understand the complex aviation regulations, know how to investigate these accidents, and build a strong case for our clients. We have also successfully fought for maximum compensation in many different types of helicopter accidents, including those involving mechanical failure, pilot error, and bad weather.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a helicopter crash, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and explain your legal options so you can decide how to proceed. Call (888) 488-1391 today or fill out our online intake form to get started on your case.