Air Medical Journal
Volume 26, Issue 1 , Pages 23-25, January 2007

Concern network

Article Outline

     

    The Concern Network shares verified information to alert medical transport programs when an accident/incident has occurred. Both air and ground programs are encouraged to participate. If you have questions, contact CONCERN Coordinator David Kearns at (800) 525 3712 or www.concern-network.org.

    DateProgramVendorWeatherVehiclePassengers/Injuries
    8/10/06Flight For Life Colorado (Denver, CO)Mayo AviationClear, not a factorKing Air 200Pilot, flight nurse, flight respiratory therapist/no injuries
    Description
    During taxi to runway for takeoff, the pilot noticed a sudden loss of braking action on the right side. Reverse prop thrust was used to slow the aircraft to an uneventful stop. Even though it rolled through the threshold lights at the end of the runway, not one was broken. Once the aircraft was shut down, it was towed to the hangar for inspection. After a thorough investigation, the same braking failure could not be reproduced. Two ideas have been generated to explain the loss of braking action on the right side: 1) The aircraft parking brake may not have been fully disengaged before taxi, resulting in a brake heating situation, primarily on the right side. When brakes were applied during taxi, the right side failed due to overheating. 2) Air conditioning for the King Air is supplied by the right-hand engine. It's theorized that during the taxi, slightly more power was applied to the right engine to maintain minimum engine RPM in order to keep the air conditioner compressor engaged properly. The pilot may have unconsciously applied some slight right brake pressure to counter some of that additional thrust being generated on the right side, resulting in an overheated brake system. All pilots have been advised to ensure that the parking brake is fully disengaged prior to taxi and to be aware of possible inadvertent brake pedal pressure during taxi. The NTSB was advised of this incident, and no formal report was deemed warranted.
    8/14/06Cox Air Care (Springfield, MO)Air MethodsClear, not a factor flight nurse,BO 105Pilot, flight paramedic/no injuries
    Description
    Aircraft had lifted for a scene request to Greenfield, MO. Approximately 5 minutes into the flight, a bird (duck) strike occurred. Damage sustained to windscreen, pilot side, with the duck entering the cockpit. Crew had helmets on with visors down; no injuries sustained. Aircraft returned to base without further incident. Out of service until windscreen could be replaced.
    8/24/06Critical Care Transport (Birmingham, AL)LifeGuard Transportation Serv.5 miles and hazeCessna Citation BravoPilot, NNP, RT/no injuries
    Description
    Pilots heard a thud upon landing in Birmingham. Leading edge of wing dented in with feathers and blood visible. Aircraft ferried to Cessna service center for evaluation and repair. Estimated 4 days to repair.
    8/26/06JeffSTAT (Philadelphia, PA) Clear, not a factor1997 Ford/First ResponseDriver, EMT/injuries
    Description
    A BLS ambulance crew was returning from a transport in Center City, Philadelphia. The ambulance entered an intersection with a green light and struck a vehicle that failed to stop at a red light. The ambulance and vehicle both sustained severe damage. The driver of the ambulance, the EMT, and the passenger in the other vehicle sustained injuries and were admitted to a local trauma center. No patient was on board. The ambulance was operating in non-emergency mode. The accident is currently being investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department. Witnesses were present on scene. Both members of the ambulance crew have been discharged from the hospital. The passenger from the other vehicle remains in the hospital.
    8/27/06Staff for Life Helicopter Service (Columbia, MO)Air MethodsClear, not a factorBK117-B1Pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic, patient/no injuries
    Description:
    At 0317 hours Staff for Life I responded to a scene approximately 4 miles east of Ashland, MO. The landing zone was located in a valley north of the highway. Wires were reported on the south and east sides of the LZ. On approach, the pilot was able to visualize wires on the south side of the road-way. Upon departing the scene, at an altitude of approximately 60 feet and north of the roadway, the PIC felt an impact and noted sparks, immediately suspecting a wire strike. The aircraft was landed at the scene without further incident. Minimal damage was sustained to the aircraft.
    9/3/06Northwest MedStar (Spokane, WA)Metro AviationPartial cloudiness, not a factorBO-105Pilot, flight nurse, flight respiratory therapist patient/no injuries
    Description:
    Responding to a rural scene call, the initial LZ selection created an unacceptable dust hazard. The PIC requested the LZ be prepped by wetting down the LZ, but the delay in accomplishing the request was determined to be unacceptable due to time on station constraints. The PIC sighted an open area adjacent to an old, unused logging road and radioed the EMS ground contact of his intent to land at the alternate site. The PIC performed a high reconnaissance and an initiated an approach to a high hover. A low-level reconnaissance was performed by the medical crew, who provided hazard information to the PIC during the approach. The PIC landed the helicopter and felt what seemed to be the ground slope contacting the rear part of the skids. The PIC elected to relocate a few feet forward to a more level surface, which was populated with tall brush and grass. Post landing at the LZ failed to denote anything out of the ordinary. The patient was subsequently loaded and transported to the nearest hospital without incident. Postflight at the hospital revealed a puncture to the left rear bottom of the aircraft fuselage, just aft of the rear cross tube. Maintenance was contacted, who assessed the damage and flew the aircraft back to base.
    9/16/06Luke's One (Duluth, MN) Overcast, good visibilityBell 222Pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic, patient/no injuries
    Description:
    During flight, aircraft suddenly experienced severe vibrations. Aircraft was landed in nearby open field. Pendulum dampner weight broke off from main rotor head, causing the vibration. Upon departure from the aircraft, the weight damaged both main rotor blades. No injuries were sustained, and the patient was transferred to another aircraft and delivered to destination hospital.
    10/1/06Cal-Ore Life Flight, (Brookings, OR) Clear, not a factorCheyennePilot, 2 flight nurses, patient/no injuries
    Description:
    Upon descent into the destination, the right engine (PT6-28) began to lose power. Because the weather was clear with the airport in sight, the pilot elected to shut down the engine and made an uneventful landing. The patient was transported to the receiving hospital with no abnormalities. Upon investigation, it was determined that a P-3 bleed air line had separated from the P-3 filter housing. A new P-3 was installed and the engine ground run per the P & w maintenance manual. The engine met all parameters, and the aircraft was returned to service. We are checking all other P-3 line connections on our other PT-6 engines and would suggest this to other operators.
    10/6/06Carolina Life Care (Conway, SC)OmniflightNot a factorBH206L3Pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic/no injuries
    Description:
    Crew responding to an MVA. During descent for landing at the scene, the aircraft struck a wire. Aircraft landed safely with minor damage. Maintenance and FAA notified. FAA released aircraft for repairs Saturday morning. Aircraft repaired and placed back in service Sunday afternoon.
    10/11/06REACH Air Medical Services (Santa Rosa, CA) Clear, not a factorBO-105Pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic/no injuries
    Description:
    The EMS flight was enroute to home base in Redding, Calif, after a cancelled scene call 20 miles to the northeast. The pilot noticed the illumination of the #2 transmission oil pressure caution light in the cockpit. There were no secondary indications of a malfunction, nor does this aircraft type have a transmission oil pressure gauge. After the entire crew carefully reviewed and discussed the emergency procedure, they proceeded with shutting down the number two engine. They continued on their existing route of flight to the nearest airport, anticipating a run-on landing. After declaring an emergency with Redding Municipal tower and informing their company dispatch service, the crew landed uneventfully on a parallel taxiway and secured the aircraft. Postflight inspection revealed a faulty transmission oil pressure transmitter switch, which presented a faulty indication of lack of lubrication.

PII: S1067-991X(06)00314-2

doi:10.1016/j.amj.2006.10.008

Air Medical Journal
Volume 26, Issue 1 , Pages 23-25, January 2007