There was a helicopter crash in the Ocean off the coast of Norway on February 28, 2024. According to reports, the helicopter, a Sikorsky S-92, crashed with six people on board. At the time of the crash, the helicopter was performing a training mission. All six people were able to be rescued from the ocean, and taken to Haukeland University Hospital for treatment. It is believed one of the injured crew members has since died from injuries. The helicopter is operated by Bristow Norway, and provides services for Equinor’s oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. The cause of crash remains under investigation at this time.
Helicopter crashes offshore present a multitude of dangers, both immediate and consequential, highlighting the inherent risks associated with air transportation in maritime environments. Offshore operations, particularly in the oil and gas industry, frequently rely on helicopters for transporting personnel to and from remote platforms, often located in challenging and unpredictable weather conditions. The dangers of helicopter crashes in such settings are amplified by the remote location, which can significantly hinder rescue and recovery efforts. In the event of a crash at sea, survivors face the immediate risks of drowning, hypothermia, or injuries sustained during the impact, compounded by the delay in emergency response due to the distance from the mainland. Moreover, the wreckage and any resulting oil spill can pose serious environmental threats, impacting marine life and the surrounding ecosystem.
The aftermath of offshore helicopter crashes extends beyond the immediate physical dangers, encompassing psychological trauma for survivors, the families of victims, and the broader offshore community. These incidents often lead to rigorous investigations to determine cause and liability, which can result in regulatory changes, impacting operational protocols and safety measures across the industry. The economic implications can also be significant, with potential losses from halted operations, increased insurance premiums, and litigation. These crashes highlight the critical need for stringent safety protocols, continuous training for crew and passengers, and the development of advanced technology to prevent accidents. The high stakes of offshore transportation underscore the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards to protect lives and the environment.
There have been a number of recent helicopter crashes. An Airbus Eurocopter EC 130, crashed near Nipton, California on February 9, 2024. An AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter crash in West Jordan, Utah on February 12, 2024. An AH-64D Apache crashed near Booneville, Mississippi on February 23, 2024. An Army UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed near Banks, Alabama on February 23, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving the failure of necessary equipment on a plane or helicopter in both federal and state court across the country. Our attorneys have extensive experience in plane and helicopter crash litigation and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a plane or helicopter crash. The experienced helicopter crash attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a helicopter accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.