NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Keith Williams of the Keith Williams Law Group says that private helicopter operators should be more diligent in inspecting their machines before renting them out to tourists. He says that many of these companies are too quick to offer rides to unsuspecting passengers who may not know how safe these helicopters are.

On April 10, a family from Spain was riding in a Bell 206 helicopter operated by New York Helicopters when, as they flew over the Hudson River, parts of the helicopter fell off and into the water. The Bell 206 fell upside down in the water, killing all six people, including the pilot. Witnesses said the tail and main rotor fell off, while others saw smoke coming out of the helicopter.

At least 38 people have been killed in helicopter crashes in New York City since 1977, according to the Associated Press. The last such tragedy over the Hudson River occurred in 2009, when a helicopter carrying a group of Italian tourists collided with a private plane. Nine people died.

“These private helicopter companies must be able to keep the passengers’ safety top of mind before renting them out,” Mr. Williams says. “There is no reason why they cannot take the time to make sure everything is working on these machines. A few moments of proper maintenance could have meant six fewer deaths.”

In addition to his practice, Mr. Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.