No night goggles, warning system on crashed Wis. helicopter
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A company spokesman says the medical helicopter that crashed in Wisconsin did not have two pieces of safety equipment recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Mike Allen, senior vice president at Denver-based Air Methods, says the helicopter was not equipped with a computerized voice system to warn of approaching terrain or night vision goggles for the pilot.
The University of Wisconsin Hospital Med Flight helicopter crashed after dropping off a patient in La Crosse. Officials say it appeared the craft struck a hill or trees shortly after taking off, killing a surgeon, nurse and pilot.
The NTSB recommended night vision goggles and the warning system in a 2006 report that suggested many fatal EMS flights could be prevented.
May 12, 2008 at 2:13 p.m.
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My poor poor oversight. I too wish to express my condolences to all the family and friends of thise involved.
My previous post by no means is an effort to suggest blame or fault. Accidents do and will continue to happen. We owe praise to these and all of the other working men and women that put there lives at risk so that others may live
May 12, 2008 at 2:10 p.m.
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Last time I checked night vision goggles only display a 2 dimensional picture (like a mini TV screen). I would think that you kind of need the 3rd dimension (depth perception) to fly a complex piece of machinery like a helicopter. I also think that the military uses night vision but requires at least a pilot or copilot to be normally sighted. Med-flight flies with only one person operating the controls. This is for weight and balance issues with regards to the patient and all the medical equipment on board. Maybe adding an additional crew member might be the way to go.
May 12, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.
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Does it really matter whose 'fault' it is? Three people who gave, and gave of themselves are gone.
My thoughts and prays go to the family's.
May 12, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
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I lost a good friend in that accident, whether or not the equipment was there, the investigation will provide vital information this fatal event. and I can say with almost certainty that the the other med flight bird does not have the equipment either..
I do not think that the "HOMELAND SECURITY BILL" will cover the cost of the safety items.. This i think falls on the leasing agent or the leasee.
Mark Coyne was one of the best friends anyone could have, his love for the profession and his spirit and passion to help people will not be soon forgotten.
He was going to retire to "Margaritaville " (he told with a laugh in his voice) He flew next to the angels, now he is one.. Good-bye old friend, you will be mised by alot of people in the EMS community. Watch over us, till we see you again. My wishes goes out to the families of the Crew..
May 12, 2008 at 12:43 p.m.
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My rent should be payed under the homeland security bill as well. Weeeeeee!
May 12, 2008 at 12:39 p.m.
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These items should be payed for under the homeland security bill.
May 12, 2008 at 12:15 p.m.
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I wonder if the other helicopter in the UW's fleet has these safety devices? If not, I would venture to say they are already on order!
May 12, 2008 at 11:58 a.m.
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Badgerboy, How many helicopters fly everyday without those things and don't crash? Hmmmm, my guess on this one is pilot error.
May 12, 2008 at 11:54 a.m.
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So lives continue to be lost because it costs money to install the recommended equipment....
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