Accident Overview
On August 26, 2011, at approximately 1841 central daylight time, a Eurocopter AS350 B2 helicopter, registration N352LN, crashed near the Midwest National Air Center (GPH) in Mosby, Missouri. The accident occurred following a loss of engine power caused by fuel exhaustion. The helicopter was substantially damaged by impact forces.
Occupants and Operator
The helicopter was carrying a pilot, a flight nurse, a flight paramedic, and a patient. All four occupants were killed. The aircraft was registered to Key Equipment Finance, Inc., and operated by Air Methods Corporation, doing business as LifeNet in the Heartland. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as an emergency medical services (EMS) operation.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, Missouri, at about 1811. The intended route included a refueling stop at the Midwest National Air Center (GPH). After refueling, the pilot planned to proceed to Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri, which is located about 7 nautical miles from GPH. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and a company visual flight rules flight plan was filed.
Equipment and Recordings
The helicopter was not equipped with any onboard recording devices, nor was it required to be equipped with such devices.
Investigation Report
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its full report, which is available online. The Aircraft Accident Report number is NTSB/AAR-13/02.