Was Participating In Training Exercise When The Accident Occurred

A Delaware firefighter was fatally injured Monday night when he fell from a helicopter during a training exercise with the State Police.

The volunteer firefighter was identified Tuesday morning as Tim McClanahan of Lewes. He was 46 years old.

The accident occurred during a monthly "hoist training" with the Delaware Air Rescue Team at the Delaware Coastal Airport in Georgetown, according to delawareonline.com. "Two volunteer firemen, along with a pilot and a trooper medic, were on board the helicopter," said DSP spokesman Sgt. Richard Bratz. "As McClanahan stepped out onto the skid, at an undetermined height, he fell to the grassy area below the helicopter. At that point, the helicopter immediately landed, and the trooper medic and volunteer firefighter on board immediately responded and began medical assistance.”

McClanahan was taken to Beebe Healthcare, where he was pronounced dead.

The State Police will assist the FAA with its investigation, Bratz said.

(Image from Delaware Air Rescue Team Facebook page)

FMI: http://dsp.delaware.gov/aviation_unit.shtml