The helicopter crash, which left three state scientist and a pilot dead on January 5, 2010, may have been caused by lack of markings on a high-voltage Southern California Edison power line. According to a news report in the Associated Press, the fatal accident resulted in the deaths of scientists Clu Cotter, 48, and Kevin O'Connor, 40, and a scientists' aide, Tom Stolberg, 31, all of Fresno. The aviation accident also fatally injured their pilot, Dennis Michael Donovan, 70, of Palm Springs.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of all these victims for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. They will certainly be in my prayers.

What Caused this Tragic Accident?

Federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are still trying to determine what caused the Bell 206 helicopter to clip the power line. The scientists were apparently conducting a deer survey for the California Department of Fish and Game. When the helicopter clipped the power line, it caught fire and crashed resulting in the deaths of all on board.

Liability Issues

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines clearly state that power and utility companies are responsible for placing lights and visible markers on power lines and towers that are higher than 200 feet above the ground. This helps pilots spot the potential danger and avoid it. In this case, Edison officials have already said that the power line in question was unmarked and has been that way for decades. If that is accurate, then the utility company could be held liable for the crash and wrongful deaths.

The other question here is whether pilot error caused this tragic accident. Donovan was an experienced pilot on contract with Landells Aviation, a company that has received three citations for violating aviation rules. In fact, another Landells helicopter was involved in a similar accident during a deer survey trip in 2007, when the pilot apparently failed to properly maneuver the aircraft and struck some trees. If the pilot was at fault here, Landells could be held liable as well. In such cases, it would be in the best interests of deceased victims' families to contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer, who will stay abreast of the investigation and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.