Incident Summary
On the night of the accident, a helicopter leased by Allentown Sacred Heart Hospital was dispatched to a car accident. The flight departed later than initially requested, after the pilot had obtained a weather briefing. The helicopter landed at the accident site and shortly thereafter lifted off with a patient, two nurses, and a pilot on board. The aircraft departed toward the southeast with its searchlight illuminated. A short time later, it struck rising terrain in a steep nose-down attitude and right bank. A witness reported seeing the helicopter cross over trees with the searchlight on and pointing downward just before impact.
Weather and Flight Details
The weather conditions at the time were described as very rainy with a mild breeze. The pilot had called for a weather briefing at 2236 EDT. A request for a medevac helicopter was made at 2312, and the helicopter departed ten minutes later, landing at the accident site at 2343 EDT. After loading the patient, the helicopter departed.
Wreckage and Examination
The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire. Post-crash examination revealed rotational damage in both engines. An FAA Form 337, dated April 27, 1982, indicated that a Nightsun searchlight had been installed and the weight and balance had been adjusted accordingly.