A potentially crucial oversight in a safety briefing appears to have played a part in a catastrophic mid-air collision between two Army helicopters, according to a newly released investigation report. The chilling event took place during a routine nighttime low-level navigation exercise, where a failure to review key safety protocols could have contributed to the disastrous outcome. The blunder could spur a rethinking of the Army’s pre-flight activities and command communication protocols, with a critical look taken at the training personnel involved in such drills.
The report intensely scrutinizes the safety briefings and procedural guidelines that typically take place before any mission. Investigations revealed that the frontline officers might have overlooked conducting crucial risk assessments and safety checks which are designed to avoid such disasters. It was not immediately clear whether any action would be taken against the staff related to the omission. This disturbing revelation has sparked a comprehensive review of policies and procedures, emphasizing an Army-wide commitment to enforcing and enhancing flight safety practices.
