The National Transportation Safety Board has found significant evidence that an iPad likely caused a fatal helicopter crash in Idaho in 2022.
In July 2022, a Boeing CH-47D had been filling its bucket on a long line in the Salmon River when it suddenly began spinning counter-clockwise. The helicopter then quickly descended and crashed into the river 13 seconds later.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) hasn’t released an official statement on the incident yet. However, according to Vertical Mag, the public docket for the crash shows that the agency has found significant evidence to show that a dropped iPad was likely the cause.
Investigators for the NTSB noted that the iPad had three distinct gouge marks and a bend from the back of the case toward the screen. In the course of the investigation, the likeliest scenario is it had been dropped and became wedged against the co-pilots left pedal adjustment lever.
The iPad would have prevented the pedals, used for commencing a yaw to the left, from re-centering. This in turn forced a counter-clockwise spin, that the pilot could not correct in time.
The iPad was considered an electronic flight bag (EFB) — a kind of tool used by pilots and flight crews to perform flight management tasks more easily and efficiently. Their core purpose is to replace paper documentation, but they are also used for flight planning. The use of an iPad saves dozens of pounds per flight, per required kit.
Accidents such as this are an unfortunate reminder that simple mistakes can have deadly repercussions. Andy Evans, director of the aviation safety consultancy Aerossurance, told Vertical Mag that he hopes operators will learn from the incident.
This story originally appeared on Appleinsider
