The National Transportation Safety Board says pilot error was the probable cause of last year's deadly Mercy Flight helicopter crash in Genesee County.
The finding is contained in the final crash report just released.
The crash in Elba in April 2022 killed pilot James Sauer from Churchville and flight instructor Stewart Dietrick of Prosper, Texas.The crash in Elba in April 2022 killed pilot James Sauer from Churchville and flight instructor Stewart Dietrick of Prosper, Texas.
Sauer was a civilian pilot with the state police and served in the Army National Guard.
The crash happened during a training maneuver when the helicopter blades hit the tail, causing the chopper to break apart.
The report adds that the instructor inadequately monitored the flight.