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Mechanical failure, non-activation of flotation, and pilot error are major problems to be addressed if crashes and deaths in this lethal environment are to be reduced.

Decreases occurred in the overall number and rate of crashes and in ocean crash landings. The increase in VFR-IMC crashes may be related to the requirement that tour helicopters fly at least 1500 ft. above terrain. Attention is still needed to maintenance, pilot training, and restricting flights to operating areas and conditions that enable safe emergency landings.