The helicopter was destroyed at approximately 1920 Mountain time when it impacted terrain while maneuvering. A post-crash fire ensued. The commercial pilot and two paramedics aboard received fatal injuries. Night visual conditions prevailed for the Part 135 practice EMS flight operated for the U.S. Army as a simulation. The flight was to use night-vision goggles. Several witnesses stated the helicopter arrived at the site and made two right orbits while panning a white spot light. Personnel on the ground attempted to make radio contact with the helicopter but were unsuccessful. The helicopter then made a third orbit, which was wider than the first two. During the third orbit, the helicopter appeared to bank approximately 45 degrees and enter a steep nose-down attitude before impacting the ground.
February 5, 2010, El Paso, Texas, Aerospatiale AS350 B2 Ecureuil
The helicopter was destroyed at approximately 1920 Mountain time when it impacted terrain while maneuvering. A post-crash fire ensued. The commercial pilot and two paramedics aboard received fatal injuries. Night visual conditions prevailed for the Part 135 practice EMS flight operated for the U.S. Army as a simulation. The flight was to use night-vision goggles.
Key Takeaways:
- A helicopter crashed during a night practice EMS simulation flight, resulting in fatal injuries to the commercial pilot and two paramedics.
- The Part 135 flight, operated for the U.S. Army and intended to use night-vision goggles, involved unsuccessful attempts at radio contact from the ground.
- Witnesses observed the helicopter performing orbits, with the third orbit becoming wider before it banked steeply and entered a nose-down attitude prior to impact.
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