January 2, 2013, Clear Lake, Iowa, Bell Helicopter 407

The helicopter impacted terrain at about 2057 Central time and was destroyed. The pilot and two medical crew members sustained fatal injuries. Night visual conditions prevailed. A witness about one mile south of the accident site observed the helicopter as it approached from the east. He noted that it appeared to slow and then turn to the north. When he looked again, the helicopter appeared to descend straight down. He subsequently went back into his house and called 911. He described the weather conditions as “misty,” with a light wind.

Key Takeaways:

• A helicopter crashed at night, resulting in its destruction and the fatal injuries of the pilot and two medical crew members.
• A witness observed the helicopter slow, turn north, and then descend straight down before impacting the terrain.
• Multiple accounts indicated challenging weather conditions, including mist, light wind, and the presence of ice on surfaces, with another pilot reporting light rime ice earlier in the evening.

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