Special Investigation Report--Search and Rescue Procedures and Arming of Emergency Locator Transmitter: Aircraft Accident Near Michigan City, Indiana, December 7, 1980

摘要

The circumstances surrounding the crash of a Beechcraft E-90, near Michigan City, Indiana, on December 7, 1980, prompted the Safety Board to initiate this special investigation of the search and rescue activities following the accident and of the associated operation of the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter (ELT). As a result of not following proper notification procedures, coordination oversights, and communication gaps, the search for the missing aircraft was significantly hampered. The actual crash site was not reached by search personnel until nearly 4 hours after the crash. The aircraft's general condition, the fact that no bodies were found in the aircraft, and the observation from the beach of a flashing light at the crash site indicate that some or all of the aircraft's four occupants, who died of hypothermia, probably survived the original crash. No signal was transmitted by the ELT. Examination of the ELT switch revealed that it was in the OFF position. The National Transportation Safety Board believes that a rescue could have been effected if the proper authorities had been notified in a timely manner and given accurate information regarding the aircraft's last known position. Additionally, the improper arming of the ELT could be a significant problem in any emergency situation.