Some notes from NTSB Member Homendy's latest media conference.
All significant components of the aircraft have been located at the crash site indicating that the helo was intact upon impact with terrain.
An iPad and a cellphone were recovered but it is not known if they belonged to the pilot.
Investigators flew the final part of the flight path with a drone to collect data.
The wreckage has been removed by a recovery crew and will be trucked to a secure location for further analysis. The site has been turned over to local authorities.
There was a 3 pm conference call with the families to update them on the progress and procedure of the investigation. No names or details of the call will be released.
The pilot listed 8200 hours total time on his July 2019 medical application. He had 1250 hours in the S-76 and had been with Island Express for ten years. He flew SNA-CMA the day before the accident but took a more direct route.
The descent rate of the helicopter prior to impact was greater than 2000 feet per minute. It impacted in a descending left bank.
In ten days a preliminary report will be issued, a final report in 10-18 months. Emergency recommendations will be issued prior if warranted.
The NTSB has previously recommended that all turbine powered rotorcraft with six or more seats be required to have Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS).
The NTSB has also recommended that all Part 91 and Part 135 rotorcraft be required to have a CVR and FDR.
The FAA did not adopt either recommendation.
The helicopter missed the top of the hill it hit by 20 or 30 feet but there are other hills around so no conclusion should be drawn from that observation.