Helicopter crash at NASCAR race kills one

Two helicopters collided shortly after a NASCAR race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 20, 2005. The helicopters, which were two of many ferrying race-goers from the track to the airport, were both coming in to land when they collided about 100 feet off the ground. The smaller helicopter reportedly owned by Wells Fargo was able to land on the helipad after the collision. The larger craft, a seven-seat luxury model owned by Biscayne Helicopters, spun away before dropping on top of an RV parked in a motor home parking area nearby. It burst into flames seconds after the crash, killing its pilot.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) both announced immediately that they would be investigating the accident.

Initial reports of the accident seem conflicted. Several reports claim that the larger helicopter clipped the smaller one as both attempted to land, causing the accident. One woman, who was at her car in the parking lot just 150 yards from the accident site, disagreed. She said that the larger helicopter was coming in low to land when the smaller one came from above, then veered suddenly towards the other copter. The left landing skid apparently made contact with the rotor blades of the larger craft, causing it to crash.

The smaller helicopter landed safely, but rolled onto its side after touch down because of its missing skid.

The pilot of the smaller helicopter reportedly told investigators that it was difficult to see because of the commotion in the area. Police, news, and other transport helicopters combined with the lights from vehicles on the ground and fireworks from race spectators may have distracted the pilot.

As tragic as the accident was, it could have been much worse. Both were landing to pick up more passengers, including NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip who was next in line. The motor home involved in the crash was unoccupied because its owner had just stepped out to get something from his car. With the number of people on the ground at and around the racetrack, the crash could have easily claimed dozens of lives.

If you have been involved in a helicopter crash, either as a passenger or on the ground, contact a personal injury attorney at Jim S. Adler & Associates. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. We will let you know what your rights are, and help you protect them throughout your claims process. Contact Jim S. Adler & Associates right now for a free case review.

Aviation Accident Attorney | Are Helicopter Tours Safe? | Study Shows Nighttime and Bad Weather Increases Risk of Accidents for EMS Helicopters | Helicopters Do Not Have Same Safety Equipment as Airplanes | Aviation accident attorneys put aviation accident lawsuits in flight | Medical Helicopter Transport Under Fire | A helicopter accident lawyer can fight for you