No Safety Issues, FAA Violations Found

Representatives with Airlift Northwest, the Seattle-based emergency air medical transportation operator, told Aero-News last week the results of an external safety audit conducted by R. Dixon Speas Associates, Inc., a national aviation consulting firm based in Lexington, MA.

The audit -- which was implemented at the request of one of ALNW's founding hospitals in the wake of two accidents within as many months late last year -- found no safety issues, and no FAA violations.

"We are committed to the safety of our patients, pilots and staff," said Michael K. Copass, MD, Airlift Northwest President and Founder. "While the audit found no safety of flight issues or FAA violations, we have already started making improvements to enhance our safety."

Copass added the results of the external safety audit will now be combined with the results of an internal review and safety stand down into a single action plan. The plan will include action steps for each item, a tight time line and the accountability for completion.

As was reported in Aero-News, two Airlift Northwest Agusta 109 helicopters were involved in accidents in late 2005, one of which resulted in the loss of three crewmembers. The causes of those accidents have not yet been determined by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

FMI: www.airliftnw.org, Read the complete audit (PDF)