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 flight simulation, resulting in fatal injuries to the commercial pilot and two paramedics, and a post-crash fire.
- The incident occurred in night visual conditions while the helicopter was maneuvering, likely using night-vision goggles for a U.S. Army simulation.
- Witnesses observed the helicopter perform several orbits before banking steeply and entering a nose-down attitude prior to impact, with ground personnel unsuccessfully attempting radio contact.
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