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Air Controller Failed to Warn Hudson Pilot

Controller failed to inform him, NTSB report finds

By Sarah Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 14, 2009 5:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – An air traffic controller failed to warn the pilot of a plane in last weekend's mid-air collision over the Hudson River, the National Transportation Safety Board ruled today. Chatting on the phone, the controller did not inform the pilot that "there were several aircraft detected by radar in the area immediately ahead of the airplane, including the accident helicopter," said the NTSB. The controller and his supervisor are on paid leave while the FAA begins disciplinary proceedings against them, the Star-Ledger reports.

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The wreckage of a helicopter that was hit by an airplane and crashed in the Hudson River is seen on a pier Tuesday in Hoboken, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

The wreckage from a plane that hit a helicopter and crashed in the Hudson River on Saturday is lifted by an Army corp. of Engineers boat Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 in Hoboken, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

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The Teterboro tower controller, who was engaged in a phone call at the time, did not advise the pilot of the potential traffic conflicts. - NTSB report

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

youngblood

Aug 16, 2009 6:01 AM CDT

The guy is up the River without a paddle on this one!! This reminds me of the early 90's of the subway motorman, Robert Ray who was drinking and then crashed his train into Union Square Station killing and maiming lots of riders and destroying the station at 14th street and I had a friend who worked for MTA and he told me that a lot of people were responsible for that accident and that Ray took the fall for them all and spent a little time in jail and then is taken care of by the MTA. I don't know if this story is true but i find it plain shitty if it is...does anyone know about this??

Derni

Aug 15, 2009 3:04 AM CDT

Human error enters into to most of these accidents-sad byt true-

QueenAlli

Aug 15, 2009 2:01 AM CDT

SICK! JUST SICK!

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Star-Ledger (Source Grid »)

New York • plane crash • helicopter • Hudson River • air traffic control • midair collision • Teterboro Airport

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Air Controller Failed to Warn Hudson Pilot