Helicopter Practicing Approaches At Time Of Accident

A medevac helicopter practicing approaches to a rooftop helipad in Grand Rapids, MI crashed on the hospital's roof Thursday morning, with the two people onboard narrowly escaping a post-impact fire.

The helicopter -- type unreported, but believed to be a Sikorsky S-76, type shown above -- impacted the helipad atop Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital about 11 am local time. The helo tipped on its side, and caught fire.

The pilot and passenger onboard the hospital's Aero Med helicopter were listed in stable condition following the crash, with minor injuries.

"There's not a whole lot left, but you can tell it was a helicopter," Grand Rapids Fire Chief John VanSolkema said.

Witness Kelli Wiltjer told The Associated Press said she was looking out here window when the crash occurred.

"The nose of the helicopter was kind of up, and it almost looked like it was turning around, and then it dropped real fast," she said.

Patients in the hospital were temporarily evacuated following the crash, but were allowed to return to their roons after the fire was contained.  A backup generator kicked in to provide electricity at the hospital following the accident.

FMI: www.spectrum-health.org/alert.asp