Family blames helicopter operator for 2008 crash that killed 4 in Alaska, not chopper design

Family blames helicopter operator for Alaska crash

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The family of a teen who may have bumped a fuel lever on a helicopter that led to a fatal crash in Alaska says the operator should have installed an inexpensive guard to keep the lever from moving accidentally.

Quinn Ellington’s family put out a statement Wednesday after the release of a National Transportation Safety Board report on the 2008 crash that killed four men east of Chickaloon.

Ellington was 14 years old at the time and the only survivor.

The report says the crash likely was the result of Ellington bumping a lever with his foot or backpack, causing an engine overspeed.

The family’s attorney says the chopper’s operator, ERA Helicopters, knew about similar crashes but didn’t install a $30 guard that could have protected the floor-mounted lever.

Information from: Anchorage Daily News, www.adn.com

(This version CORRECTS Ellington’s age to 14.)