Report: Helicopter crash may have been caused by dazzling sun

The fatal crash of a rescue helicopter in Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise) national park in July wasn't brought about by a technical failure. The accident, which claimed the lives of four people, can be attributed to a combination of two factors, according to a final report of a team of specialists from the Aviation Investigation Authority. "A collision between the helicopter and steel power wiring extending over the Hornad River ravine, while the helicopter was flying close above the ground, was the main and immediate cause for the accident", according to the report. The setting sun is also believed to have played a role, as the sunshine might have dazzled the pilot and caused him to not see the wiring. The helicopter snagged on wires spanning a ravine when attempting to help a ten-year old boy from Germany who had suffered head and leg injuries after falling down the ravine. The boy was eventually taken to Poprad Hospital by a different rescue team.