01/06/2009

Associated Press

The parents of a toddler killed in an October medical helicopter crash in suburban Chicago have filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court claims the emergency transport company, its operator and the deceased pilot should have taken more safety precautions, such as installing better equipment and having two pilots.

An Air Angels helicopter carrying Kirstin Blockinger crashed on Oct. 15 after clipping a wire to a radio tower, killing her and all three crew members — including pilot Del Waugh of Carmel, Ind.

Chicago Attorney Jim Hall represents Brooke and Robert Blockinger. He says the parents want new federal safety rules for such flights.

Air Angels and an attorney representing the defendants did not immediately return calls seeking comment.