Did the NTSB miss some blame in this accident? Could it have been prevented if the FAA had performed their duties? The FAA was specifically tasked to check for these apparent missing tasks, which seem to have be added with an update to IEH's training manual on March 6, 2020?
Part 135 Helicopter Training and Qualification Program Review and Competency Check Requirements
National Policy Effective Date: 9/22/17, Cancellation Date: 9/22/18
“The objective of the program review is to identify and correct part 135 helicopter training and qualification programs that do not include the required training and checking on (1) procedures for helicopter handling in flat-light, whiteout, and brownout conditions and (2) recovery from inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions (IIMC). In addition, this notice provides guidance to ASIs conducting § 135.293(a) helicopter written or oral tests or § 135.293(b) helicopter competency checks.”
As pilots, the FAA holds our feet to the fire, yet this seems egregious on their part...