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AirMed helicopter in forced landing

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Posted: 5:57 PM Jul 11, 2008
Last Updated: 5:57 PM Jul 11, 2008
Reporter: STAFF

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July 11, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---An AirMed helicopter based at Doctors Hospital was forced to return for a landing Friday morning.

AirMed Director of Operations Todd Hatfield said the crew had just taken off for a call to pick up a burn patient. A pilot, paramedic and nurse were onboard.

Hatfield said, "As they departed, they got to 50 feet in the air and the pilot realized the engines were losing power. He needed to make a 180 degree turn and didn't quite make it."

The aircraft landed on a chain link fence. Hatfield said the aircraft has
minimal damage.

Nobody on the crew was injured and Hatfield praised the pilot for "an outstanding job."

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Posted by: George Upshaw Location: Augusta on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:40 AM
From my understanding (source,NTSB), of all the multi-engine helicopters out there, the Agusta helicopters are more likely to have problems that result in accidents compared to other multi-engine helicopters? Compare the different EMS helicopters out there and you will see.

Posted by: real pilot Location: Georgia on Jul 11, 2008 at 10:37 PM
A real pilot would have placed BOTH engines in FLY before taking off. With one engine in IDLE and one in FLY it will take off then you find yourself losing power when you get airborne. Happens lots of times in that model helicopter. Use the checklist next time.