Pilot Error Blamed for Chopper Crash

MADINAH, 18 February 2007 — An investigation into the Jan. 22 crash of a Red Crescent emergency helicopter near Madinah that killed the pilot and two doctors has concluded that human error was the cause of the accident, the daily Al-Watan reported yesterday. The investigation carried out by General Authority of Civil Aviation and the Saudi Red Crescent Society concluded that the pilot ignored warnings from ground command about power lines in the area. The chopper was cruising at less than 20 meters when it crashed into electrical cables. The chopper had no mechanical or technical problems, said an official involved in the investigation. The Red Crescent’s other chopper in the region was grounded after the accident.