FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The company whose helicopter was involved in a deadly crash at the Grand Canyon is adding crash-resistant fuel systems to its fleet.
Papillon Airways announced an agreement Monday with StandardAero for 40 fuel tanks that expand, rather than rupture, on impact. The new tanks also have self-sealing components.
The National Transportation Safety Board has urged the Federal Aviation Administration to require that all helicopters have the systems. Right now, they’re required only for helicopters newly certified after 1994.
Papillon declined comment Tuesday on what led to its decision.
The system for the Airbus EC130 B4 that crashed and burned Feb. 10 wasn’t standard but a retrofit became available last year.
Five British tourists died. At least one suffered thermal injuries.
The pilot and another passenger remained in critical condition Tuesday.