Originally Posted by
tdracer
I was about to ask if this helicopter had a CVR/FDR (but figured I should go back a few pages to see if it was already answered).
Which sort of begs the question, why not? I would think any aircraft that is being operated "for hire" should be so equipped...
Neither directly prevents accidents. They assist with post-accident/incident investigation which sometimes results in corrective action for the future which indirectly prevents future accidents. For this accident, it's likely a FDR would have found aircraft systems were operating normally and flight controls reacting properly to control inputs right up to impact with terrain.
The FAA's two basic charters (Safety of Flight and promoting growth of aviation) require them to balance risk and benefit. Remember the NTSB recommendation to prohibit "lap infants" on airliners? FAA's holistic analysis determined it would be safer on an individual basis but would increase overall risk and fatalities, and was not adopted.