According to an article from the Oklahoman, a medivac helicopter crashed during a flight to Okeene, OK to pick up a medical patient for transport. The helicopter carried a medical crew of three people, one pilot and two nurses.
Both the pilot and one of the nurses died when the helicopter crashed and burned four miles southeast of the destination. One investigator believes the third crew member may have survived because he was ejected from the helicopter as it crashed.
EagleMed is the corporation that owns the helicopter, which was a Eurocopter AS350 model manufactured in 1998. The pilot had 10 years of experience working for EagleMed.
The third crew member, the sole survivor of the helicopter crash, was hospitalized in critical condition at Oklahoma University Medical Center with orthopedic injuries. Investigators have been unable to interview him about the cause of the crash because of the extent of his injuries.
Investigators are examining clues such as helicopter scraps and charred ground, to try to determine reasons behind the helicopter crash. Authorities expect that a formal report will be completed within 6 to 9 months. However, the National Transportation and Safety Board will require another 2-3 months to issue information about the probable cause of the Oklahoma City helicopter crash.
One television reporter suggested that the third crew member warned of problems with the helicopter door. The reporter said that a piece of the helicopter door damaged the helicopter rotor prior to the crash. However, investigators have not confirmed the validity of this information.
The helicopter crash marks the fifth in a series of medical helicopter crashes in Oklahoma resulting in the severe injuries and deaths of medivac crews. Some helicopter crashes occur because of defective parts created by negligent manufacturers. Unfortunately, when a manufacturer is careless, innocent people sometimes get hurt.
In these cases, the Oklahoma wrongful death attorneys of Maples Law Firm work to get their clients the compensation they deserve for their injuries. With over a decade of legal experience, our attorneys understand the nature and complexity of wrongful death and personal injury cases. For your free legal consultation, contact Maples Law Firm today at (405) 705-5050.
