Pilot killed when Flight for Life helicopter crashes in Colorado
FRISCO, Colo. - A Flight for Life medical helicopter crashed during departure from a hospital in Frisco, Colo., on Friday afternoon, CBS Denver KCNC reports.
There were three crew members on board, all medical personnel. No patients were on board at the time. The pilot was killed, the others suffered injuries.
"We are deeply saddened by the news that our pilot was fatally injured, and our hearts go out to the pilot's family," Air Methods spokeswoman Christina Brodsly said. "We can also confirm that the flight paramedic and flight nurse on board received injuries, and there were no patients on the aircraft. The FAA and the NTSB have our full cooperation as they further investigate the accident. We want to continue to make sure we have all of the facts correct."
The chopper went down at lift off and landed in a parking lot, hitting a pick up truck. No one was inside the truck, according to Steve Lipsher spokesman for Lake Dillion Fire. The chopper was fully engulfed in flames when crews arrived.
Lipsher said there were a number of witnesses as the chopper pad is beside a trail and this is a very busy time of year around there.
CBS Denver reports the helicopter was leaving St. Anthony's Summit Medical Center when it crashed. Lake Dillon Fire and Red, White & Blue Fire responded to the fire, along with the Summit County Sheriff, Summit County Ambulance and Frisco Police.
It is still unclear what caused the helicopter to crash. The NTSB confirms they are sending an investigator from their Denver office.