Investigators Find A Trail Of Debris Nearly A Mile Long

NTSB investigators say the Air Evac Bell 206 helicopter which went down early Tuesday morning may have broken up in flight. The three-person crew of the aircraft was fatally injured in the accident.

File Photo

NTSB investigator Jennifer Rodi said the main rotor was found north of the main wreckage, and the tail section was found to the southwest. The Associated Press reports that residents near the accident scene heard something that sounded like an explosion, then an engine revving and "metal crunching" when the helicopter impacted the ground.

The helicopter was manufacture in 1978, according to FAA records. Air Evac CEO Seth Myers said it was fully equipped with night vision equipment, and that the company's flight crews perform a risk assessment prior to every flight.

Rudi said the investigative team had not reported details of their findings in the field. The AP indicated it is the fourth fatal accident involving a medical helicopter or other aircraft this summer. So far in 2010, 21 people have been fatally injured in accidents involving medical aircraft.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov