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Air evac helicopter crashes have been making headlines recently, highlighting the risks associated with medical emergency flights. These incidents have raised concerns about aviation safety and the challenges faced by air ambulance services. The crashes not only impact the lives of crew members and patients but also have far-reaching consequences for the medical transport industry as a whole.
This article delves into the recent Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter crashes, examining the technical aspects and the response from the community and industry. It looks at the operations of Air Evac Lifeteam, a leading air medical transport provider, and explores the preliminary reports on these accidents. The piece also discusses the broader implications for air ambulance services and the steps being taken to enhance safety measures in this critical field.
Air Evac Lifeteam Operations
Company Background
Air Evac Lifeteam, established in 1985 in West Plains, Missouri, has grown to become the largest independently owned and operated membership-supported air ambulance service in the United States. The company was founded with the goal of providing air medical transportation and ensuring access to emergency health care for rural communities. Today, Air Evac Lifeteam operates more than 150 mutually supporting bases across 18 states, primarily serving rural areas where access to advanced emergency healthcare is limited.
Services Provided
Air Evac Lifeteam provides critical care air medical transport services to patients in both field and interfacility settings. Their fleet consists of more than 150 medically equipped helicopters, staffed by flight crews comprising a pilot, flight nurse, and flight paramedic. These crews are on duty seven days a week, ready to respond to emergencies or facilitate transportation between medical facilities. The company’s services are particularly crucial in rural areas, where approximately 90% of their patient transports originate.
Safety Record
Safety is a top priority for Air Evac Lifeteam. The company has implemented numerous safety measures and technologies to ensure the well-being of its crews and patients. These include:
- Advanced safety systems in their helicopters, such as Cobham HeliSAS/Autopilot and Garmin glass cockpits
- Night Vision Technology at all bases
- SkyTrac® satellite tracking systems for real-time flight monitoring
- A comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) that has received the highest achievable status from the Federal Aviation Administration
Technical Aspects of the Crash
Helicopter Model and Specifications
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Bell 212 helicopter, also known as the Bell UH-1N Twin Huey. This twin-engine medium utility helicopter, developed in the mid-1960s, has a crew capacity of 1 to 2 individuals and can accommodate up to 14 passengers. The Bell 212 measures 17.41 meters in length and stands 3.83 meters tall. With an empty weight of 2,962 kilograms and a maximum takeoff weight of 5,080 kilograms, it is powered by a 1,300-kilowatt engine. The helicopter typically cruises at 118 miles per hour but can reach speeds up to 137 miles per hour in combat situations.
Flight Conditions at the Time
At the time of the accident, visual meteorological conditions prevailed. There were no clouds present, and visibility extended to 10 miles. Light winds of 7 knots were reported. The temperature was 7°C with a dew point of 4°C, indicating a low likelihood of fog or reduced visibility. The helicopter was flying between 500 and 600 feet above ground level at approximately 110 knots ground speed when the incident occurred.
Mechanical vs. External Factors
While the impact with geese appears to be a significant factor in this fatal accident, other contributing elements are under investigation. The aircraft’s age, estimated to be at least 30 years old, and potential maintenance issues due to spare part shortages could have played a role. Additionally, the decision to fly at a lower altitude than company minimums may have increased the risk of bird strikes. The investigation will likely examine both mechanical factors and external influences to determine the full scope of circumstances leading to the crash.
Community and Industry Response
Local impact and reactions
The recent Air Evac helicopter crash has deeply affected Oklahoma’s pilot community. Chase Rutledge, a KOCO 5 pilot, described the incident as “heart-wrenching,” emphasizing the emotional toll such accidents take on those in the aviation industry. The loss of three Air Evac LifeTeam members has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the risks associated with emergency medical flights.
Support for affected families
Air Evac Lifeteam has identified the crew members involved in the crash as Pilot Russell Haslam, Flight Nurse Adam Tebben, and Medic Steven Fitzgerald. The company has expressed its condolences and is likely providing support to the families of the deceased, although specific details about the support measures have not been disclosed in the available information.
Industry-wide safety discussions
The crash has sparked discussions about aviation safety, particularly concerning low-altitude flights and bird strikes. Rutledge pointed out that flying at low altitudes during certain times of the year increases the risk of encountering flocks of geese. The preliminary report’s finding of bird remains in one of the helicopter’s servos has raised concerns about the impact of such collisions on aircraft control. This incident is likely to prompt a review of safety protocols and preventive measures across the air ambulance industry to mitigate similar risks in the future.
Also Read: Is Spirit Airlines Safe? A Comprehensive Safety Review
Conclusion
The recent Air Evac helicopter crashes have shed light on the risks and challenges faced by air ambulance services. These incidents have a significant impact on the lives of crew members, patients, and the broader medical transport industry. The crashes have sparked discussions about aviation safety, particularly regarding low-altitude flights and the dangers of bird strikes. They’ve also highlighted the crucial role these services play in providing emergency healthcare to rural communities.
Moving forward, these events are likely to lead to a thorough review of safety protocols in the air ambulance industry. The goal is to enhance preventive measures and reduce similar risks in the future. While the full investigation is still ongoing, the preliminary findings underscore the need to balance the urgency of medical transport with the safety of all involved. This balance is key to ensure the continued availability of these vital services while prioritizing the well-being of crew members and patients alike.
FAQs
What is the most common cause of helicopter crashes?
The primary cause of helicopter crashes is pilot error, according to the Pilot Institute, a leading aviation training provider.
Can you detail the recent incident involving the Air Evac helicopter?
The Air Evac helicopter was en route to Oklahoma City for a patient transfer when it went down in a field close to Weatherford. The crash occurred at approximately 23:23 hrs on Saturday, January 20, near Weatherford, Oklahoma. The helicopter was operated by Air Evac Lifeteam, an air ambulance service.
How frequent are helicopter crashes?
Helicopter crashes are relatively rare. Over the last five years, the fatal accident rate for helicopters in the United States has been 0.73 per 100,000 flight hours, as reported by the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team.
Who were the victims in the recent Air Evac helicopter crash near Weatherford?
The tragic accident claimed the lives of three crew members: Russell Haslam, the pilot; Adam Tebben, the flight nurse; and Steven Fitzgerald, the flight paramedic. Their names were officially released by Air Evac Lifeteam following the crash.
