October 22, 2013

 

   An investigator says there is no indication that the pilot of a medical helicopter transmitted he had a problem before the aircraft crashed just south of here in Fayette County.

The National Transportation Safety Board's Ralph Hicks says the investigation is progressing into Tuesday's crash that killed two hospital workers and the pilot.

 

   The helicopter rammed into the ground while en route to pick up an ailing child in Bolivar.  The crash occurred in a wooded area of Somerville, about 45 miles east of Memphis.

Hicks says the eastward-bound helicopter changed course by making a turn to the south before it went down.

 

   The helicopter was operated by Hospital Wing, which transports patients to hospitals within a 150-mile radius of Memphis. A Hospital Wing spokeswoman says flights have been temporarily suspended.

 

   A Hospital Wing Helicopter and crew is stationed in Brownsville.