Tuna Spotting, tuna boat ops (incl Guam)
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Much of this article has already been mentioned above, but interesting reading nonetheless:
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...s-highway-hell
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...s-highway-hell
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...en-helicopters
- April 20, 2023, 12:52 PM
Hansen Helicopters CEO John Walker.Hansen Helicopters CEO John Walker is continuing to run his criminal enterprise from behind bars via straw men and alter-ego corporations, alleges a civil suit filed earlier this month by the U.S. government. The suit seeks to enjoin Hansen and Walker from what amounts to the furtherance of a criminal enterprise.
On Sept. 9, 2022, a Guam federal district court jury found Hansen Helicopters and Walker guilty on some 100 counts related to conspiracy; defrauding the FAA and the NTSB; bribery; aircraft parts fraud, causing serious bodily injury and death; falsification of aircraft registration; employing unlicensed mechanics and pilots; wire fraud; and money laundering. Hansen operated a fleet of 48 Hughes 369-series turbine single helicopters used aboard tuna spotting boats in the Western Pacific. The government is seeking forfeiture of all of Hansen’s and Walker’s assets related to what it charged is $400 million worth of fraud tied to the convictions.
Walker has been incarcerated since Sept. 12, 2022, and is awaiting sentencing; however, that proceeding has been delayed pending the resolution of motions for judgment of acquittal, a new trial, and supplements to a pending motion for mistrial. For these matters to move forward, the defense needs a trial transcript. The court notes that the transcripts will not be available until October “as the court reporter is currently overburdened with pending trials and appeals.”
In the new civil suit, the government seeks to end Hansen’s operations and enjoin both it and Walker from “leasing, reselling, or allowing his helicopters, or their parts, or those helicopters, or parts by alter egos, to be operated, installed, registered, deregistered, reregistered, or otherwise used in any way pending a final determination in this case.” The government alleges that, following Hansen’s initial indictment in 2018, the company and Walker moved to transfer helicopters and operations to a variety of offshore “shell” corporations, including Pacific Spotters in the Philippines.
During the closing days of Hansen and Walker’s conjoined 2022 criminal trial, a helicopter registered to Pacific.Spotters crashed on a maintenance flight, killing the pilot. The government maintains that death and nine others directly resulted from Hansen’s illegal practices. As part of the civil filing, the government maintains, “Despite the blood already on their hands, Walker’s alter-ego corporations, coconspirators, agents, employees, and nominees continue to conduct the enterprise in violation of federal law. This action seeks to put an end to this enterprise; its flagrant, continued violation of safety regulations; and the risk it poses to human life.”
In related proceedings, Spares—an Oregon company that allegedly provided Hansen with a variety of unapproved parts over two decades, including defective tail rotor pitch change links—pleaded guilty earlier today to multiple counts of aircraft parts fraud, charges that carry up to a $10 million fine, as well as a “special penalty assessment.” In remarks before the court, prosecutor Marie Miller said the pitch change links failed on “numerous” Hansen helicopters that resulted in at least one death.
“The evidence also showed that Hansen never purchased a legitimate tail rotor pitch change link from any other company,” that “pilots and mechanics were required to jerry-rig the tail rotor pitch change links to make them work because they didn't work because they were not made to the proper specifications,” and that “foreign material was used to hold the part together while the helicopter was operating.”
Charges against Spares’ CEO Frank Litkei Sr. were dropped after he suffered a stroke and later died in 2021. The government alleges that Spares made $945,000 selling the pitch change links to Hansen. In court proceedings earlier this year, Litkei’s widow, Christine Litkei, maintained that neither her late husband’s estate nor his company, have any significant assets—a charge vigorously contested by prosecutors.
During a status hearing earlier this year, prosecutors alleged that Christine Litkei transferred six-figure amounts from Spares into her own account via a company she called “Christine Consulting” shortly before and after Spares was initially indicted, that her late husband’s estate is worth well over $1 million, and that Spares’ assets could be worth as much as $1.5 million. Prosecutor Marie Miller accused Litkei of using Spares’ assets as her “personal piggy bank” and claimed that she had made “intentional misrepresentations” to the government and the court.
“She’s been jerking us around for months,” said Miller. “She’s trying to commit a fraud on this court.”
Appearing on behalf of Spares yesterday, Christine Litkei maintained that Spares was dissolved but stated that she was prepared to personally onboard at least some of the liability associated with the company’s guilty plea. Sentencing is pending.
Government: Jailed Walker Continues To Run Hansen Helicopters
by Mark Huber- April 20, 2023, 12:52 PM
Hansen Helicopters CEO John Walker.Hansen Helicopters CEO John Walker is continuing to run his criminal enterprise from behind bars via straw men and alter-ego corporations, alleges a civil suit filed earlier this month by the U.S. government. The suit seeks to enjoin Hansen and Walker from what amounts to the furtherance of a criminal enterprise.
On Sept. 9, 2022, a Guam federal district court jury found Hansen Helicopters and Walker guilty on some 100 counts related to conspiracy; defrauding the FAA and the NTSB; bribery; aircraft parts fraud, causing serious bodily injury and death; falsification of aircraft registration; employing unlicensed mechanics and pilots; wire fraud; and money laundering. Hansen operated a fleet of 48 Hughes 369-series turbine single helicopters used aboard tuna spotting boats in the Western Pacific. The government is seeking forfeiture of all of Hansen’s and Walker’s assets related to what it charged is $400 million worth of fraud tied to the convictions.
Walker has been incarcerated since Sept. 12, 2022, and is awaiting sentencing; however, that proceeding has been delayed pending the resolution of motions for judgment of acquittal, a new trial, and supplements to a pending motion for mistrial. For these matters to move forward, the defense needs a trial transcript. The court notes that the transcripts will not be available until October “as the court reporter is currently overburdened with pending trials and appeals.”
In the new civil suit, the government seeks to end Hansen’s operations and enjoin both it and Walker from “leasing, reselling, or allowing his helicopters, or their parts, or those helicopters, or parts by alter egos, to be operated, installed, registered, deregistered, reregistered, or otherwise used in any way pending a final determination in this case.” The government alleges that, following Hansen’s initial indictment in 2018, the company and Walker moved to transfer helicopters and operations to a variety of offshore “shell” corporations, including Pacific Spotters in the Philippines.
During the closing days of Hansen and Walker’s conjoined 2022 criminal trial, a helicopter registered to Pacific.Spotters crashed on a maintenance flight, killing the pilot. The government maintains that death and nine others directly resulted from Hansen’s illegal practices. As part of the civil filing, the government maintains, “Despite the blood already on their hands, Walker’s alter-ego corporations, coconspirators, agents, employees, and nominees continue to conduct the enterprise in violation of federal law. This action seeks to put an end to this enterprise; its flagrant, continued violation of safety regulations; and the risk it poses to human life.”
In related proceedings, Spares—an Oregon company that allegedly provided Hansen with a variety of unapproved parts over two decades, including defective tail rotor pitch change links—pleaded guilty earlier today to multiple counts of aircraft parts fraud, charges that carry up to a $10 million fine, as well as a “special penalty assessment.” In remarks before the court, prosecutor Marie Miller said the pitch change links failed on “numerous” Hansen helicopters that resulted in at least one death.
“The evidence also showed that Hansen never purchased a legitimate tail rotor pitch change link from any other company,” that “pilots and mechanics were required to jerry-rig the tail rotor pitch change links to make them work because they didn't work because they were not made to the proper specifications,” and that “foreign material was used to hold the part together while the helicopter was operating.”
Charges against Spares’ CEO Frank Litkei Sr. were dropped after he suffered a stroke and later died in 2021. The government alleges that Spares made $945,000 selling the pitch change links to Hansen. In court proceedings earlier this year, Litkei’s widow, Christine Litkei, maintained that neither her late husband’s estate nor his company, have any significant assets—a charge vigorously contested by prosecutors.
During a status hearing earlier this year, prosecutors alleged that Christine Litkei transferred six-figure amounts from Spares into her own account via a company she called “Christine Consulting” shortly before and after Spares was initially indicted, that her late husband’s estate is worth well over $1 million, and that Spares’ assets could be worth as much as $1.5 million. Prosecutor Marie Miller accused Litkei of using Spares’ assets as her “personal piggy bank” and claimed that she had made “intentional misrepresentations” to the government and the court.
“She’s been jerking us around for months,” said Miller. “She’s trying to commit a fraud on this court.”
Appearing on behalf of Spares yesterday, Christine Litkei maintained that Spares was dissolved but stated that she was prepared to personally onboard at least some of the liability associated with the company’s guilty plea. Sentencing is pending.
https://helicopters.gg/2023/11/07/pi...r-safety-case/
A pilot at Guam-based Hansen Helicopters has successfully appealed his indictment for allegedly conspiring to deceive federal authorities regarding the safety of the company’s aircraft. The Ninth Circuit court ruled on Monday that the charges against Kenneth Rufus Crowe, the director of operations at Hansen Helicopters, should be dismissed following a mistrial.
In cases where a mistrial is declared and the jury fails to reach a verdict, a defendant may only be retried if they consented to the dismissal or if dismissal was deemed “required by manifest necessity.” The court determined that neither of these conditions were met.
Prosecutors had accused Crowe and his purported co-conspirators of leasing helicopters that did not meet the safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This alleged deception posed a potential risk to the safety of those who used Hansen Helicopters’ services.
With the dismissal of the charges, Crowe is now free from the legal consequences he had been facing. This decision emphasizes the importance of ensuring the validity and accuracy of information provided to regulatory authorities in the aviation industry.
The case of Kenneth Rufus Crowe highlights the complexities and challenges faced by pilots and aviation companies when it comes to adhering to strict safety regulations. The incident serves as a reminder that maintaining the highest standards of safety is paramount in the aviation industry, given the potential risks involved.
Pilot’s Appeal Leads to Dismissal of Charges in Guam Helicopter Safety Case
ByHutch Maiava
NOVEMBER 7, 2023A pilot at Guam-based Hansen Helicopters has successfully appealed his indictment for allegedly conspiring to deceive federal authorities regarding the safety of the company’s aircraft. The Ninth Circuit court ruled on Monday that the charges against Kenneth Rufus Crowe, the director of operations at Hansen Helicopters, should be dismissed following a mistrial.In cases where a mistrial is declared and the jury fails to reach a verdict, a defendant may only be retried if they consented to the dismissal or if dismissal was deemed “required by manifest necessity.” The court determined that neither of these conditions were met.
Prosecutors had accused Crowe and his purported co-conspirators of leasing helicopters that did not meet the safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This alleged deception posed a potential risk to the safety of those who used Hansen Helicopters’ services.
With the dismissal of the charges, Crowe is now free from the legal consequences he had been facing. This decision emphasizes the importance of ensuring the validity and accuracy of information provided to regulatory authorities in the aviation industry.
The case of Kenneth Rufus Crowe highlights the complexities and challenges faced by pilots and aviation companies when it comes to adhering to strict safety regulations. The incident serves as a reminder that maintaining the highest standards of safety is paramount in the aviation industry, given the potential risks involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does it mean when a mistrial is declared?
When a mistrial is declared, it means that the court proceedings have been terminated before a final verdict is reached due to various reasons such as a procedural error, juror misconduct, or a hung jury (unable to reach a unanimous decision).2. Why were the charges against Kenneth Rufus Crowe dismissed?
The charges against Kenneth Rufus Crowe were dismissed because the Ninth Circuit court determined that neither the defendant consented to the dismissal nor was the dismissal “required by manifest necessity,” as required by law in order to proceed with a retrial.3. How important is safety compliance in the aviation industry?
Safety compliance is of utmost importance in the aviation industry as it directly impacts the well-being of passengers and personnel involved in air transport. Stricter regulations and adherence to safety standards help mitigate potential risks and ensure a safe and secure aviation environment.4. Are there any specific regulations that govern helicopter safety?
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets specific regulations and guidelines for helicopter safety. These regulations cover various aspects such as maintenance, training, operations, and equipment requirements to ensure the safe operation of helicopters.
But they still got the Director of Maintenance. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...-pleads-guilty
Hansen Helicopters Mx Director Pleads Guilty
Phillip Kapp faced multiple charges including defrauding the FAA and NTSB
Hansen Helicopters CEO John Walker was convicted Friday on more than 100 counts related to fraud, bribery, and money-laundering related to his Guam-based helicopter operation. A number of accidents have been associated with that operation. (Photo: U.S. Attorney's office).
By MARK HUBER • Contributor - Rotorcraft
November 16, 2023Hansen Helicopters director of maintenance Phillip “Turner” Kapp has pled guilty to defrauding the FAA and the NTSB. Kapp was facing multiple charges relating to illegal activities conducted by the Guam-based tuna spotting company.
The company and its CEO, John Walker, were found guilty last year on more than 100 charges relating to bribery, money laundering, hiring of unlicensed pilots and mechanics, use of unapproved parts, and data plate swapping to create what the prosecution termed “Frankenstein helicopters” from wrecked aircraft. The government charged that these practices were behind $400 million worth of fraud and, in part, responsible for up to nine deaths due to helicopter accidents over two decades.
Kapp originally was due to stand trial with Hansen as an entity and Walker as an individual, but Kapp requested that his case be severed while he was dealing with a significant medical issue. During the trial of Walker and Hansen, the prosecution produced voluminous e-mails from and to Kapp that clearly showed him to be an active participant in a widespread fraud scheme that included falsification of aircraft maintenance records and obstructing NTSB investigations.
Other defendants in the case included Hansen chief pilot Kenneth “Rufus” Crowe, Marvin Reed (Hansen’s vice president of operations), and two suppliers—Oregon-based Spares Inc. and Vanguard Aviation of Valdosta, Georgia. Spares pleaded guilty and agreed to a substantial forfeiture earlier this year, and the case against Crowe was dismissed on a technicality by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case against Vanguard likely will not go to trial since its CEO is ill. The sentencing of Walker and Hansen is pending. Kapp's sentencing is scheduled for February.
Hansen Helicopters Mx Director Pleads Guilty
Phillip Kapp faced multiple charges including defrauding the FAA and NTSB
Hansen Helicopters CEO John Walker was convicted Friday on more than 100 counts related to fraud, bribery, and money-laundering related to his Guam-based helicopter operation. A number of accidents have been associated with that operation. (Photo: U.S. Attorney's office).By MARK HUBER • Contributor - Rotorcraft
November 16, 2023Hansen Helicopters director of maintenance Phillip “Turner” Kapp has pled guilty to defrauding the FAA and the NTSB. Kapp was facing multiple charges relating to illegal activities conducted by the Guam-based tuna spotting company.
The company and its CEO, John Walker, were found guilty last year on more than 100 charges relating to bribery, money laundering, hiring of unlicensed pilots and mechanics, use of unapproved parts, and data plate swapping to create what the prosecution termed “Frankenstein helicopters” from wrecked aircraft. The government charged that these practices were behind $400 million worth of fraud and, in part, responsible for up to nine deaths due to helicopter accidents over two decades.
Kapp originally was due to stand trial with Hansen as an entity and Walker as an individual, but Kapp requested that his case be severed while he was dealing with a significant medical issue. During the trial of Walker and Hansen, the prosecution produced voluminous e-mails from and to Kapp that clearly showed him to be an active participant in a widespread fraud scheme that included falsification of aircraft maintenance records and obstructing NTSB investigations.
Other defendants in the case included Hansen chief pilot Kenneth “Rufus” Crowe, Marvin Reed (Hansen’s vice president of operations), and two suppliers—Oregon-based Spares Inc. and Vanguard Aviation of Valdosta, Georgia. Spares pleaded guilty and agreed to a substantial forfeiture earlier this year, and the case against Crowe was dismissed on a technicality by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case against Vanguard likely will not go to trial since its CEO is ill. The sentencing of Walker and Hansen is pending. Kapp's sentencing is scheduled for February.
Hansens deaths
According to the various newspaper reports there has been about 15 pilots killed while working for Hansen's. I can only identify one pilot by name. Rafael Santos Cruz. An El Salvadorian pilot, ex military, and a highly skilled pilot, and a highly regarded in the industry.
Court minutes refer evidence placed before the court , "........Email dated 09/07/2015 from Crowe to Snaer re: Cost of Rafael Antonio Cruz Santos' funeral and Crowe "thought we were getting off cheap." (Prozik).........".
Peter Prozik was the FBI agent who carried out the search warrant that disclosed the gold mine of information in Hansen's own computers. Basically they were convicted on their own evidence. Rafael's helicopter crashed due to the failure of a bogus tail rotor pitch link, which was conceded in court.. The fact that they were so proud that they shafted the family with a token payment that seemed generous at the time to the family in an impoverished Central American economy, and then went print boasting about it, pretty much supports the prosecutions position that it was profit and greed that drove John Walker and his crony's into making millions at the expense of safety and compliance.
A couple of us know of him from Ft Rucker. We are in the process of giving some support to his family. We would welcome any information as any of the other deaths (or serious injuries) from other Hansen accidents that has been reported. Names, approximate dates or any details would be of use. It might be that there is a possibility of a class action against all of the defendants to get proper compensation for the those affected. We have a pro bono law firm that might be willing to take it on. We just need to do the homework for them to have alook at the big picture. We also need to act on it before the government grabs all the cash.
Court minutes refer evidence placed before the court , "........Email dated 09/07/2015 from Crowe to Snaer re: Cost of Rafael Antonio Cruz Santos' funeral and Crowe "thought we were getting off cheap." (Prozik).........".
Peter Prozik was the FBI agent who carried out the search warrant that disclosed the gold mine of information in Hansen's own computers. Basically they were convicted on their own evidence. Rafael's helicopter crashed due to the failure of a bogus tail rotor pitch link, which was conceded in court.. The fact that they were so proud that they shafted the family with a token payment that seemed generous at the time to the family in an impoverished Central American economy, and then went print boasting about it, pretty much supports the prosecutions position that it was profit and greed that drove John Walker and his crony's into making millions at the expense of safety and compliance.
A couple of us know of him from Ft Rucker. We are in the process of giving some support to his family. We would welcome any information as any of the other deaths (or serious injuries) from other Hansen accidents that has been reported. Names, approximate dates or any details would be of use. It might be that there is a possibility of a class action against all of the defendants to get proper compensation for the those affected. We have a pro bono law firm that might be willing to take it on. We just need to do the homework for them to have alook at the big picture. We also need to act on it before the government grabs all the cash.
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