From the U.S. Government Accountability Office, www.gao.gov

Transcript for: Improving National Guard Helicopter Safety

Description: Cary Russell discusses our April 2023 report on improving
safety and reducing flight accidents in National Guard units. The Army
and Air National Guard reported 298 accidents during non-combat flights
between fiscal years 2012-2021. We recommended, among other things, that
units regularly evaluate their preflight risk management procedures, and
that the Army and Air National Guard assess safety officer workload to
better focus on flight safety.

Related GAO Works: GAO-23-105219.  National Guard Helicopters:
Additional Actions needed to Prevent Accidents and Improve Safety

Released: March 2023

[ GAO's Cary Russell, Director, Defense Capabilities and Management,
speaking ]

[ Cary Russell: ]

  Both the Army and Air National Guard fly helicopters to perform
domestic and overseas missions. Together, they reported 298 accidents
from fiscal years 2012 through 2021. These non-combat accidents were
mostly due to human error. 

  We found that preflight risk management procedures for National Guard
units have not been regularly evaluated. Also, safety officers have
limited time to focus on safety issues, since they are often responsible
for a variety of other duties.

  We recommended, among other things, that units regularly evaluate
their preflight risk management procedures and that the Army and Air
National Guard assess safety officer workload to better focus on flight
safety. 

  To find out more, visit GAO.gov.

 [ End ]

For more info, check out our report GAO-23-105219 at: GAO.gov