Thu, Jan 06, 2011
Accident Involving Senator Ted Stevens Prompts The Move
The NTSB today issued two safety recommendations to the FAA
requiring a detailed inspection of all emergency locator
transmitters (ELT) installed on GA aircraft to ensure that their
mountings maintain their retention capabilities during an accident
sequence.
An ELT is designed to broadcast a signal through an externally
mounted antenna that contains the aircraft's registration
information and the global positioning system coordinates of the
original signal. Also, the "homing signal" can be detected locally
by other aircraft, air traffic control facilities, or rescue
personnel who use a compatible receiver.
"In this case, the airplane was equipped with a functioning 406
megahertz ELT, which can be a tremendous aid to search and rescue
operations," said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. "But this
vital life-saving technology won't do anyone any good if it doesn't
stay connected to the antenna."
On August 9, 2010, a de Havilland turbine Otter airplane crashed
in mountainous tree-covered terrain approximately 10 miles from
Aleknagik, Alaska. Nearly five hours after the crash, volunteer
airborne search personnel located the aircraft approximately 19
miles from where the flight originated.
Alaska Accident AirplaneNTSB Photo
The pilot and four passengers, including former U.S. Senator Ted
Stevens, sustained fatal injuries. The other four passengers were
seriously injured.
Aircraft involved in the search and rescue efforts and
satellites did not detect any ELT signals. Following the discovery
of the airplane, a pararescuer found the ELT loose on the floor of
the airplane. The ELT had activated but had separated from its
mounting bracket and antenna.
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