Claim There Was A Malfunction Or Design Defect In Aircraft's Tail Rotor

Two survivors of an accident involving a Flight for Life helicopter in Frisco, CO have sued Airbus Helicopters S.A.S. France and Airbus Helicopters in Grand Prairie, TX alleging "either a malfunction or design defect of the tail rotor failure." The accident fatally injured pilot Patrick Mahany.

The suit was filed on behalf of flight nurses David Repsher, 45, of Silverthorne, and Matthew Bowe, 32. The aircraft was enroute to a public relations event for the American Spirit of Adventure Boy Scout Camp in Eagle/Vail when it went down July 3 in a parking lot of St. Anthony's Summit Medical Center in Frisco, CO immediately after takeoff.

Bowe reportedly suffered internal injuries and permanent disability. Repsher is said to still be in critical condition after suffering burns over 90 percent of his body.

The suit claims that the aircraft was unsafe and not crashworthy. The fuel tank ruptured and caught fire on "moderate ground impact." Attorney Peter Reitz told television station KUSA that had the fuel tank remained intact, Repsher "would not have suffered these horribly severe burn injuries."

In a statement, Air Methods Corporation said "On July 3, 2015, we received tragic news that an accident involving an Airbus AS350 B3e took the life of Air Methods pilot Patrick Mahany, and injured two Flight For Life crewmembers, Dave Repsher and Matt Bowe. We want to share our heartfelt condolences with Patrick Mahany's family, friends and colleagues. And our thoughts and prayers are with Dave and Matt, and their families.

There is an ongoing investigation and we are cooperating with the NTSB and FAA, allowing them to do their jobs to determine the cause of the accident. In addition, we need to be respectful of the legal process. The safe return of each member of our crew and our patients is our highest priority. Air Methods participates in the FAA's voluntary Safety Management System program to continue our focus on safety."

(Image from file. Not accident aircraft)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov