Fatal helicopter crash likely caused by dropped iPad

Image Credit: National Transportation Safety Board

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.

Firefighters on scene managed to pull the pilot and co-pilot out of the wreckage, though both men later died from their injuries.

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.

"Hopefully this accident will prompt operators to have a long hard look at all possible loose articles in cockpits and robustly securing valuable tools and sources of situational awareness like EFBs."

In 2021, Delta Air Lines announced that it was working with AT&T and Apple to provide its pilots with an upgraded electronic flight bag, switching over to the 5G-equipped iPad Pro.