Experts’ Input on Hawaii Air Disaster Could Stay Confidential

The families of the victims of a Hawaii helicopter crash might not be entitled to see communications between the helicopter’s operator and manufacturers and the National Transportation Safety Board, because a Freedom of Information Act exemption could apply, a divided Fifth Circuit said.

In 2011 an aircraft operated by Blue Hawaiian Helicopters crashed while on a sightseeing tour, killing the pilot and all four passengers. As part of its investigation into the crash, the NTSB consulted with a representative from Blue Hawaiian as well as technical advisers from the helicopter’s manufacturer Eurocopter and its engine’s manufacturer Turbomeca.

Tony Jobe, a ...