Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Switzerland’s SESE accident investigation agency is probing the crash of an Airbus AS350B3 helicopter on Tuesday that killed three of the six people on board. The rotorcraft crashed at around 9:25 a.m. local time while in the process of disembarking skiers on the Petit Combin Mountain in the Swiss Alps at an altitude of 12,000 feet.
According to a statement by the police force of Valais canton, a pilot, a mountain guide, and four skiers were on board. Swiss-based Air Glaciers confirmed it was the operator of the aircraft. It has 12 AS350s and H125s in its fleet, as well as four EC135s and H145s.
The three survivors were airlifted to a hospital in Sion, with seven rescue helicopters operated by Air Zermatt and Rega having been dispatched to the scene. None of those involved in the accident have been identified.
A police report indicated that the helicopter slid down the northern slope of the mountain for reasons that are now being investigated. The accident occurred at a designated landing site for ski trips.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Three Killed as Helicopter Crashes Carrying Skiers in Swiss Alps

Seven rescue rotorcraft were sent to the scene of the accident on Petit Combin mountain

A Valais canton police report said the AS350 B3 helicopter slid down the north face of a mountain while dropping off three skiers and a guide in the Swiss Alps.

Three Killed in Swiss Helicopter Ski Tourism Accident

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Upgrade is available at MD Helicopters service centers

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Chad Trautvetter

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News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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