Pilot error, training issues were factors in Alaska crash that killed Czech billionaire, report says

By BECKY BOHRER and MARK THIESSEN
Associated Press

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Federal transportation investigators say the probable cause of a heli-skiing crash in Alaska in 2021 that killed a Czech billionaire and four others was a failure by the pilot to adequately respond to whiteout conditions. The report from the National Transportation Safety Board also found that an “inadequate pilot training program” by the helicopter operator and “insufficient oversight” by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector were contributing factors. The family of Petr Kellner has filed a lawsuit in state court against aircraft operator Soloy Helicopters and others. Kellner was the richest man in the Czech Republic at the time of the crash. One person survived the accident. Messages seeking comment were left for a Soloy spokesperson and the FAA.