Inglewood Helicopter Parts Scheme Raises Safety Concerns for Local Air Traffic

A Southern California helicopter repair company has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles for allegedly selling used aircraft parts as new, potentially endangering countless passengers and raising concerns about aviation safety in the region, including in communities like Inglewood that frequently experience helicopter traffic.

Federal prosecutors accuse Jared Michael Swensen, 48, of Ventura, of operating the dangerous scheme for more than three years, repairing and selling helicopter parts that were nearing the end of their service life while falsely listing them as new. According to the indictment, this practice could have led to catastrophic equipment failures and deadly crashes.

The grand jury’s decision came on the same day a helicopter broke apart and crashed in the Hudson River in New York, killing all aboard, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of using compromised parts in aircraft maintenance.

For residents of Inglewood and surrounding communities, where helicopter traffic is common due to proximity to LAX, news helicopters covering events at SoFi Stadium, law enforcement aerial operations, and medical transports to area hospitals, the indictment raises questions about aviation safety overhead.

“Commercial, law enforcement, and medical helicopters frequently fly over our communities,” noted a local aviation safety advocate who works with neighborhood groups in Inglewood. “When we hear about companies potentially compromising aircraft safety for profit, it’s deeply concerning for everyone living under these flight paths.”

While the indictment doesn’t specify which helicopter operators may have purchased parts from Swensen’s company, the case has prompted increased scrutiny of helicopter maintenance practices throughout Southern California.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains strict requirements for aircraft parts certification, particularly for components considered critical to flight safety. Properly documented maintenance records are essential for helicopter operators to ensure airworthiness.

A spokesperson for the FAA’s Western Pacific Region advised that helicopter operators should review their maintenance records if they suspect they may have done business with the company named in the indictment. The agency has not yet issued a formal statement regarding specific helicopters that might be affected.

The indictment serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety regulations and proper maintenance practices, especially in urban areas with dense populations like Inglewood, where an aircraft incident could have catastrophic consequences on the ground.

According to aviation safety experts, helicopter parts have specific service life limits based on flight hours or calendar time. Using parts beyond these limits significantly increases the risk of mechanical failure.

The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. If convicted, Swensen could face substantial prison time and fines for the scheme that prosecutors say prioritized profits over public safety.

This story draws on reporting by Nathan Solis for the Los Angeles Times, published April 16, 2025.