Copter Pilot Couldn't Check Descent, Investigators Say

One of those involves a medical helicopter that crashed in Northwest Washington on the afternoon of May 30, 2006.

That helicopter was trying to land at Washington Hospital Center with a critically ill patient onboard. It crashed on the grounds of the nearby U.S. Armed Forces Retirement Home. The helicopter was operated by CJ Systems Aviation Group, which recently was bought by Air Methods.

The patient, Steven Gaston, 51, of Southeast Washington, died from injuries he suffered in the accident, according to the D.C. medical examiner. The pilot and two crew members were injured.

The NTSB has not determined the probable cause of that crash. That determination is expected in coming weeks.

However, investigators recently released documents and reports that indicate the pilot might have become confused after accidentally turning off one of the copter's automated engine control systems while trying to land at the hospital.

The pilot -- Darryl Johnson, a longtime aviator -- had been lauded by his company and hospital officials for getting the copter down without causing additional fatalities.

In their reports, investigators said they found no mechanical problems with the helicopter. They also noted that Johnson received an hour of training in how that helicopter differed from others and that he told them he had never seen a training manual for that aircraft.

The helicopter had a different engine control system than many of the others in the company's fleet.

Johnson could not be located for comment.