Aviation Attorney Brian Alexander Focuses on Issues With Harnesses in a NY Sightseeing Helicopter Accident on PIX11

The National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report released Monday does not mince words. It finds there were several concerning issues surrounding the fatal crash of a tourist helicopter into the East River. Could one of the five passengers on board, all of whom died in the March 11th crash, somehow have accidentally pushed the chopper's emergency fuel shut-off lever, sending it into the river. The chopper pilot tells NTSB investigators, quote, as they were flying along the eastern side of Central Park, the front seat passenger turned sideways, slid across the double bench seat toward the pilot, leaned back, and extended his feet to take a photograph of his feet outside the helicopter.

Additionally, aviation attorney, Brian Alexander, says the report also notes the way in which the tour operator buckled in its passengers inside the chopper, which flew with its doors open to allow for photo opportunities.

So the issue is primarily in terms of their inability to escape. It's the harness system that's the real problem.

Does that add up to negligence in your opinion?

Well, it's too early to say, but I think without a question that is something that has to be scrutinized.

The report also states, quote, examination of the emergency float system revealed that the three floats installed on the left landing gear skid appear to be more inflated than the floats on the right landing gear skid. The emergency floats' left pressurized gas cylinder gauge indicated about zero PSI, while the right pressurized gas cylinder gauge indicated about 4,000 PSI.

That to me does not sound like a typical. You would expect that the amount of pounds per square inch deployed to inflate the floats would be equivalent on both sides.