It was a Bell 222 helicopter, transporting from Valley West Community Hospital in Sandwich. The helicopter belonged to Air Angels Inc., an emergency medical transport service. Killed were the baby girl, a pilot, nurse and a paramedic-in the Line of Duty, but have not been identified.The craft reported no mechanical problems before takeoff and weather was not an issue. At some point airport dispatchers lost contact with the pilot…the helicopter apparently clipped one of the wires supporting a 750-foot radio tower.
Residents of the apartment complex that was partially evacuated said that at about midnight, they heard the helicopter flying low outside their windows, then a loud explosion. They went outside and saw a plume of smoke rising from a nearby field.
Air Angels helicopters have been involved in two crashes in the past six years, including a January 2003 crash in which the pilot was killed. An investigation blamed pilot error, saying the weather was a factor. A crash in August 2007 was blamed on mechanical problems; no one was injured.
Our condolences to all affected.
