Incident Overview
After loading a seriously burned patient, the pilot initiated engine start and lifted off from a hospital parking lot. Immediately following liftoff, the pilot began forward translational flight. Approximately 65 feet from the lift-off point, an advancing main rotor blade struck an unmarked lamp post. The helicopter then crashed in the parking lot just beyond the lamp post.
Fatalities and Injuries
The pilot and one medical attendant sustained fatal injuries. Another medical attendant was seriously injured. According to reports, the patient did not sustain any additional discernible injury from the crash.
Scene Details
The lamp post involved in the strike was described as unmarked. The helicopter lifted off from the hospital parking lot, which served as the launch point for the emergency medical services flight.