NTSB Issues Recommendation A-17-013 for Enhanced Helicopter Crashworthiness Guidelines

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued recommendation CEN15MA290, designated as A-17-013. This directive is addressed to the Association of Air Medical Services and the Air Medical Operators Association. The board urges these organizations to work with the Association of Critical Care Transport. Their goal is to establish a dedicated working group. This group will develop and distribute guidelines for entities that purchase, lease, or contract for helicopters. The guidelines must address equipment and systems that enhance crashworthiness. Minimum requirements include the installation of crash-resistant fuel systems and energy-absorbing seats. These measures aim to improve safety outcomes during aviation incidents involving air medical transport aircraft.