NTSB Examines Fire King Recorders

The recorders from the Carson Helicopters S-61N Fire King are intact despite the extensive fire damage they suffered after the Aug. 5 crash that killed nine of 13 on board, the U.S. NTSB said. The safety board sent the cockpit voice and flight data recorders to manufacturer Penny + Giles in the U.K. to optimize its ability to recover data from the damaged boxes. Agency investigators expect to spend the next weeks analyzing that data. In its preliminary report on the accident, the NTSB said the Sikorsky Aircraft helicopter experienced a loss of power to the main rotor during its takeoff initial climb before it struck trees and terrain near Weaverville, Calif. on a firefighting mission. For related news