Medical Transfer Helicopter Crash in Nevada

A Eurocopter AS350 B3 almost crashed with 3 people aboard, during an attempted medical transfer on January 17, 2010 in Reno, Nevada.

The pilot of the medical evacuation helicopter was preparing to take off to retrieve and transport a patient from Humboldt General Hospital in Nevada, to Renown Regional Medical Center, when he heard a loud bang and the helicopter experienced a partial loss in power. The pilot was beginning his transition to forward flight when the incident occurred, which slammed the helicopter against the helicopter pad. The pilot and two medical crew members sustained no injuries.  The helicopter was substantially damaged.