Per aviation lawyer Ron Goldman, “The existing tank is dangerously defective because when you have a crash it can puncture the tank which is unprotected by any fuel bladder or casing.”
Robinson helicopters issued a retro-fit order to make the fuel tanks stronger, but owners have until April 30, 2013, to comply. It is not known if the helicopter involved in this crash near Tamiami Airport had its fuel tank retrofitted.
We are deeply disappointed that Robinson Helicopter Company put the burden on its customers to pay for the retrofit of its fuel system, rather than shouldering the expense of fixing its own design errors.
Air Date: 4-3-2013
Incident Date: 4-3-2013
