NTSB: pilot blames passenger harness for deadly NYC helicopter crash

The sole survivor of the New York helicopter crash says he believes the deadly accident was caused by a passenger harness getting tangled with the chopper’s emergency fuel cutoff switch.

Pilot Richard Vance told national transportation safety board investigators the front seat passenger turned sideways and slid towards Vance to take photos as they flew over Central Park.

Vance said it was at this point that they began experiencing engine problems, forcing the pilot to ditch in the East River.

Vance saw part of the harness underneath the cutoff switch.

Vance’s comments were published in the NTSB’s preliminary report.

The agency is still conducting its investigation and may not release its official findings over the actual cause of the accident for up to a year.

The NTSB has previously encountered similar issues with the emergency fuel cutoff switch of this helicopter model, the Eurocopter AS350, citing concerns after a 2008 crash in Alaska.

The virtually intractable safety harnesses used on these ‘doors off’ helicopter flights have also come under fire.

Vance told investigators he gave the five passengers a pre-flight safety briefing on how to cut themselves out of the harnesses with a supplied knife.

The five passengers were unable to free themselves and drowned still strapped into their seats.

The failure of some of the helicopter’s floatation devices may also have contributed to the deaths.

Vance survived as he was not wearing a harness.