Audio recordings were
obtained from Classic's communications center (Classic Control), Guardian
Control, FMC, and the FLG Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). At 1516, the pilot for the
Air Methods helicopter, N407GA, call sign Angel 1, contacted Guardian
Control via aircraft radios and reported that they were departing Winslow,
Arizona, with four people on board; the pilot, two flight nurses, and a
patient. The pilot stated that his estimated time en route was 25 minutes
and he was either going to land at FLG or at FMC. He was not sure if he
would be at the proper weight to land with enough power to execute a safe
out of ground effect hover at FMC with all four occupants onboard.
At 1517, the pilot of Angel 1 contacted Guardian Control via onboard radios
and requested the current weather conditions at FLG. The on-call
transportation coordinator (TC) provided the requested information, and
within two minutes, she contacted FMC and told them that Angel 1 was inbound
to the helipad in approximately 23 minutes.
At 1517, the pilot for Classic helicopter, N407MJ, call sign Lifeguard 2,
contacted Classic Control via onboard radios and reported that they had
departed the south rim of the Grand Canyon and were en route to the FMC with
an estimated time of arrival of 32 minutes. There were four people on board;
the pilot, a flight nurse, a flight paramedic, and a patient.
Approximately one minute later, the pilot on Angel 1 called Guardian Control
via onboard radios and reported that they were going to “drop one” at FLG
before proceeding to FMC.
At 1523, the dispatcher on duty at Classic Control contacted Guardian
Control via landline and reported that Lifeguard 2 was en route to the FMC
and would be arriving from the north. He also reported that it would be a
"cold drop" and the emergency department at the hospital had already been
notified. The Guardian Control TC then informed the Classic dispatcher that
Angel 1 was also en route and would be landing at FMC in 20 minutes. The
Classic dispatcher then stated, "Ohh okay, I'll let them know when I talk to
them next, and I'll tell them to be sure and get a hold of you."
At the end of this call, the Guardian Control TC called FMC's emergency
department (ED) via land-line and stated that Lifeguard 2 would also be
landing at the hospital in "about 28 minutes…and they know about mine coming
in." The person who answered the landline responded, "All right." The TC
then contacted the pilot of Angel 1 via onboard radio and informed him that
Lifeguard 2 would also be landing at FMC in approximately 28 minutes. The
Angel 1 pilot responded, "Roger will be looking for 'em thanks."
At 1532, the pilot of Lifeguard 2 contacted Classic Control via onboard
radios, provided a position report and said they were 15 minutes from
landing at FMC. The dispatcher on duty responded, "Comm center copies all
sir…I'll talk to you on the ground in 15 minutes, 1532." This was the last
recorded communication from the Lifeguard 2 pilot.
Also at 1532, the Angel 1 pilot contacted Guardian Control via onboard
radios and reported that they were 10 minutes from landing at FLG in order
to drop off a flight nurse due to weight considerations.
At 1534, the Angel 1 pilot called Guardian Control via onboard radios and
asked the TC to contact FMC and request additional ground support to assist
in moving the patient from the helicopter. The TC then contacted FMC and
made the request.
At 1541, the Angel 1 pilot contacted the FLG ATCT via onboard radios and
reported that he was one mile out. A controller provided traffic advisories
and cleared Angel 1 to land.
At 1543, the Angel 1 pilot contacted the FLG ATCT via onboard radios and
said, "...Angel 1 would like to depart to the north to the hospital with
foxtrot." A controller responded, "Lifeguard Angel 1 wind variable at five
taxiway alpha cleared for take off northbound to the hospital approved."
At 1544, the Angel 1 pilot contacted Guardian Control via onboard radios and
stated, "Control Angel 1 if you haven't figured it out we've uh landed at
the...airport departed and we're about two minutes out of the hospital." The
TC responded and copied the transmission. This was the last recorded
communication from the Angel 1 pilot.
At 1550, the Classic dispatcher contacted Guardian Control via landline and
asked the TC if she had had any contact with "my ship." The TC said,
"negative."
A review of the recorded transmissions made between both medical crews and
the hospital revealed that both of the medical crews contacted the FMC ED
and provided medical reports on their respective patients.
A Classic medical crewmember contacted FMC via an onboard cellular phone at
1525. The conversation ended 1528, at which time the crewmember reported an
estimated arrival time of 18 minutes, or 1546.
The Air Methods medical crewmember contacted FMC via onboard radio (Med
Channel 3/EMSCOMM) at 1532. The conversation ended at 1534; at which time
the crewmember provided an estimated time of arrival of 15 minutes, or 1549.
Each crewmember spoke with a different nurse and physician. A review of both
transmissions indicated normal communications and that both patients were
medically stable.
The hospital staff that received the phone calls from both aircraft did not
provide any information about the other helicopter that was also en route to
the FMC. There is no requirement for FMC staff to provide arrival or
departure information regarding other aircraft to medical flight crews. If
any information is provided it is given as a courtesy only.
A surveillance camera, mounted on a parking garage at FMC, captured the
collision on digital video. The video depicted one helicopter approaching
from north and one helicopter approaching from the south, and shows both
aircraft descending after the collision. The NTSB Vehicle Recorders
Laboratory, Washington, DC, examined the video, and extracted a series of
still images which showed the collision sequence.
N407GA was equipped with a GPS-based OuterLink tracking system that recorded
the helicopter's position every 30 seconds. A review of the data revealed
that N407GA flew in a straight line from FLG to the location of the accident
site, about 1/4-mile east of the FMC helipad. The data indicated that the
aircraft had not initiated a turn onto final approach when the data ended.
N407MJ was equipped with a GPS-based Sky Router tracking system, which
recorded the helicopter's position every five minutes. A review of the data
revealed that the last recorded position was approximately ten miles
northwest of the helipad. In addition, a Garmin GPSMAP 496 handheld GPS was
located in the wreckage. The unit was shipped to the Vehicle Recorders
Division at NTSB Headquarters, Washington, DC where it was downloaded on
June 30, 2008. Examination of the unit revealed that it was not programmed
to record the helicopter's flight track and there was no usable stored data
for the accident flight.
No Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) radar services were available for
the airspace surrounding FMC.
One witness, located approximately 1 mile southwest of the accident site,
observed the collision of the two helicopters. He observed "a light
aircraft" traveling west to east. As the aircraft turned to the south, he
noticed a second helicopter traveling from the east to the west. The first
helicopter appeared to be at the same altitude as the second helicopter when
it started a turn to the south. The witness stated, "I saw both aircraft on
what appeared to be a collision course. From the angle I was at, the second
helicopter (red and white) did not appear to change direction and the first
collided with it."
Two other witnesses observed the collision from the back porch of their
residence approximately 1/2 mile south and west of the accident site. They
observed the [Air Methods] helicopter approaching from the south and east on
a "usual landing pattern." One of these witnesses observed a second
helicopter "approaching the other from the [right], back side" just prior to
the collision. The other witness observed the second helicopter just as the
helicopters collided.
Another witness observed the collision from her residence four-tenths of a
mile north and west of the accident site. She first heard a helicopter
approaching from the north. She then heard a second helicopter coming from
the south. The witness stated that she "looked up just as the northbound
helicopter apparently clipped the rotor of the southbound [helicopter]. At
that time, they both were in a turn to the hospital."
Several people witnessed the collision and reported seeing both helicopters
descending into wooded terrain about 1/2-mile east from the heliport. There
was a small fire noted rising from the hilly terrain, followed by a loud
explosion about ten minutes after the collision.
PERSONNEL INFORMATION
N470GA; Air Methods Corporation
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 51, held a commercial pilot certificate for single-engine
land airplanes and rotorcraft-helicopters, and an instrument rating for both
airplanes and helicopters. His most recent first-class medical certificate
was issued on September 12, 2007, and contained the limitation of "Cleared
Class I with near vision restriction."
A review of the pilot's last Flight Training and Qualification Record
revealed that his last Airman Competency/Proficiency Check was accomplished
on August 15, 2007. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accrued a
total of approximately 5,241 hours, including 4,500 hours in helicopters.
In the previous three months, the pilot had accrued 150 hours, including 53
hours at night. During the last 30 days, the pilot flew 51 hours, including
19 hours at night. All of this time was accrued in the Bell 407. According
to the company the pilot attended and satisfactorily completed all company
initial, recurrent, and NVG training courses.
The pilot was hired on October 7, 2003, as a full-time EMS pilot flying the
Bell 407 at the operator's base in Flagstaff, Arizona. When hired, the pilot
had accrued a total of approximately 4,353.6 hours, including 341.2 hours as
pilot-in-command (PIC) in the Bell 407. According to the operator, he did
not work elsewhere as a pilot at the time of the accident.
During his tenure at Air Methods, he served as the Safety Officer and the
Safety Coordinator, and was also night-vision goggle (NVG) qualified.
A search of the National Driver Register found no record of driver's license
suspension or revocation.
Flight Nurse Information
The flight nurse, who was dropped off at FLG before the accident, was hired
by FMC on June 26, 1995, as an emergency medical technician (EMT) with
Guardian Medical Transport (GMT). On March 27, 2006, he became a flight
registered nurse (RN).
The flight nurse had been employed with Northern Arizona Healthcare for four
years and was authorized for medical flights on fixed-wing aircraft and
helicopters. In the summer months, he normally worked onboard the
helicopters because of his low body weight. He was considered a neo-natal
specialist and received his training in the Army.
He worked a continuous 48-hour shift starting at 0800. He came on duty after
four days rest at 0800 on the day of the accident. At the time of the
accident, he had been on duty approximately seven hours and 44 minutes.
The flight nurse stated that the pilot came on duty at 0900. Prior to any
flights that day, he had a conversation with the pilot, and the other flight
nurse about a recent EMS accident that had occurred two days prior. They
discussed what may have happened on that flight and how important it was to
be safe since "they all wanted to go home at the end of their shift."
He always flew with another flight nurse specializing in adult care. He had
flown often with the pilot and other flight nurse, and described his
relationship with them as "excellent." They communicated well and the pilot
was always open to medical crew input.
The crew's first flight occurred around 1030 from FLG to Cottonwood,
Arizona, for an infant pick-up. Upon their return, they stopped at FLG and
dropped off the other flight nurse for weight restrictions (who later drove
to FMC to rejoin the crew). The flight continued to FMC, where the
helicopter landed without incident. The pilot stayed at FMC, cleaned the
helicopter, and then flew back to FLG. The two flight nurses drove back to
FLG with the infant isolette.
After returning to FLG, the crew had a 1 1/2 hour break before being
dispatched to Winslow, Arizona, for an adult patient pick-up. The patient
weighed approximately 260 pounds and there would likely be a weight
restriction (about 100 pounds) on the return flight requiring the neo-natal
nurse to be dropped FLG. Approximately five minutes after they departed
Winslow, he heard the pilot contact Guardian Control and reported they were
about 20 minutes from FLG. He also heard Guardian Control report that
Classic was inbound to FMC and had an estimated time of arrival (ETA) of 28
minutes.
About 15 minutes later, he heard the pilot report that he was 15 minutes out
and would be landing at FLG to drop him off.
According to the flight nurse, the medical crew can hear the pilot
communications, and he did not hear any communications from or about the
Classic helicopter. In addition, he did not hear the Air Methods pilot
discuss the Classic flight after the initial notification. The entire crew
is trained to practice a "sterile cockpit" during takeoff and once the
approach to land is established unless there is an emergency. Only the pilot
talks to Guardian Control and ATC. The medical crews only communicate on the
medical radios to respective emergency departments and relay patient
information.
During previous flights, he had noticed several helicopters operating in and
around the FMC heliport. If there were multiple aircraft in the area, they
will have to hold, then approach and do a "hot drop." He described it as
"musical chairs."
The medical crew is trained to be an extra set of eyes if the patient is
stabilized. The flight nurse stated he would visually clear the left side of
the helicopter for the pilot on each flight, and that it was rare for two
pilots to talk air-to-air.
N407MJ; Classic Helicopter Services
Pilot Information
The pilot, age 55, held a commercial pilot certificate for single-engine
land airplanes and rotorcraft-helicopters, and an instrument rating for both
airplanes and helicopters.
His most recent second-class medical certificate was issued on March 4,
2008, and contained the limitation that he must wear corrective lenses for
near vision.
According to the operator, the pilot had accrued a total of approximately
14,500 hours, including, approximately 9,780 hours in helicopters. A review
of the pilot's last Flight Training and Qualification Record revealed that
on May 31, 2008, he had completed a recurrent Federal Aviation Regulation
(FAR) Part 135 check ride in a Bell 407 with an FAA designated check airmen,
who was the operator's chief pilot. At that time, the pilot reported a total
of 841.1 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC) in the Bell 407; 251.1 hours in the
last 12 months, 88.9 hours in the last six months, and 46.6 hours in the
last 30 days. All of this flight time was accrued in the Bell 407.
Classic Helicopter Services hired the pilot on May 7, 2007, as a full-time
EMS pilot based in Page, Arizona. He satisfactorily completed Part 135
requalification training per the company-training manual with an FAA
designated check airman, who was the operator's Lead Pilot.
According to the operator, he did not work as a pilot elsewhere at the time
of the accident and only flew the Bell 407.
The pilot had been previously employed as an EMS pilot for Classic between
1998 and 2005, in Page, Arizona. At that time, he flew a Bell 206L and 407.
During his tenure at Classic, he served as the EMS Safety Officer and was
NVG qualified.
Between 2005 and 2007, the pilot flew an Agusta A119 helicopter as an EMS
pilot for TriState CareFlight in Bullhead City, Arizona. He was NVG
qualified and served as Safety and Training Manager. In addition, he had
graduated from the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Safety
Management Course.
The pilot had extensive flight experience operating in the Grand Canyon as a
helicopter pilot. He also served on active duty in the US Army and in the US
Army Reserves as a UH-1 pilot and OH-58A instructor.
A search of the National Driver Register found no record of driver's license
suspension or revocation.
He began his shift June 23, 2008 and was scheduled to end his seven-day
shift on June 30, 2008. His normal duty hours were 12-hour shifts that
started at 0700 and ended 1900, Monday thru Sunday.
Flight Nurse Information
The flight nurse was employed as a RN with Intermountain Health Care and as
a flight nurse with Classic. He was also a member of the US Army Reserve as
a Combat Medic Instructor. The nurse began employment with Classic on April
27, 2007.
A typical shift for Classic’s medical crew consisted of a three-day, 72-hour
shift. The flight nurse was on the last day of a back-to-back three-day
shift, which had started on June 24, 2008.
Flight Paramedic Information
The flight paramedic was a Paramedic/Ranger with Grand Canyon National Park
and Classic Helicopter Service. He was also a member of the US Army Reserve
as a Combat Medic Instructor and certified as an EMT-Paramedic within the
State of Arizona with an expiration of June 15, 2009.
A typical shift for Classic's medical crew consisted of a three-day, 72-hour
shift. The flight paramedic was on the last day of a back-to-back three-day
shift, which had started on June 24, 2008.
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
N470GA; Air Methods Corporation
The aircraft operated by Air Methods Corporation, N407GA, was a 1997 Bell
Textron Canada model 407 helicopter, serial number 53104. The helicopter was
powered by a Rolls-Royce/Allison model 250-C47B turbo-shaft engine, serial
number CAE847119. The helicopter was certificated under FAA type certificate
H2SW. The helicopter had a tri-color paint scheme: the main body was red,
with dark blue, and titanium silver accents.
According to the operator's maintenance records, the helicopter had
accumulated 9,372.6 hours total flight time as the day of the accident. The
engine had accumulated 9,112.0 hours, which comprised of 19,635 cycles.
The helicopter was maintained under an FAA Approved Aircraft Inspection
Program (AAIP). The most recent progressive phase inspections were completed
on June 21, 2008. The inspections consisted of event 4, event 10, and event
21 procedures as outlined in the AAIP. The records indicated that the
operator had complied with all applicable FAA Airworthiness Directives (ADs).
In addition, the maintenance records contained no significant maintenance
action/discrepancies within 30 days of the accident.
N407MJ; Classic Helicopter Services
The aircraft operated by Classic Helicopter Services, N407MJ, was a 1996
Bell Textron Canada model 407 helicopter, serial number 53079. The
helicopter was powered by a Rolls-Royce/Allison model 250-C47B turbo-shaft
engine, serial number CAE847227. The helicopter was certificated under FAA
type-certificate H2SW. The helicopter had a tri-color paint scheme: the main
body was concord blue, with metallic gold accents, and the aft fuselage
underside was a cream color. In addition, the helicopter was equipped with
high visibility anti-collision strobe lights that were co-located with the
position lights on the horizontal stabilizer end caps (Classic's operations
procedures included those strobes in the ON position during day and night
flights).
According to the operator's maintenance records, the accident helicopter had
accumulated 4,540.3 hours total flight time as of the day of the accident.
The engine had accumulated 6,025.8 hours, which was comprised of 7,025
cycles.
The helicopter was maintained in accordance with the Bell Helicopter
maintenance schedule. The most recent progressive inspection was completed
on June 19, 2008. The inspection consisted of an event 3 procedure as
outlined in the maintenance schedule. The records indicated that the
operator had complied with all applicable FAA ADs.
The maintenance records noted that the engine was replaced on June 27, 2008,
due to cracking found on the exhaust gas collector. The helicopter had been
flown 2.0 hours with the replacement engine prior to the day of the
accident. On June 25, 2008, the tail rotor yoke assembly was replaced
because the feathering bearings were loose. The helicopter had been flown
5.2 hours since that work was completed. No other significant maintenance
action/discrepancies were recorded during the 30-day period prior to the
accident.
METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION
At 1456, the FLG METAR (routine aviation weather report), located
approximately 5 miles south of FMC, reported the wind from 320 degrees at
seven knots, gusting to 14 knots, visibility ten statute miles (or greater),
sky clear, temperature 26 degrees Celsius, dew point minus one degree
Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 30.37 inches of Mercury.
At 1556, the FLG METAR reported the wind from 240 degrees at eight knots,
visibility ten statute miles (or greater), sky clear, temperature 28 degrees
Celsius, dew point minus three degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of
30.33 inches of Mercury.
COMMUNICATIONS/DISPATCH INFORMATION
Air Methods Corporation
Guardian Air operates a full time 24-hour, 7 days a week, centralized
communications center called Guardian Control. They have visual flight rules
(VFR) flight following responsibility for three fixed wing airplanes, three
helicopters, and are direct employees of Guardian Air. The center is staffed
with transportation coordinators (TCs), who are trained as communications
specialists under the Air Methods FAA approved training program. Some TCs
have accreditations from the National Association of Air Medical
Communications Specialists (NAACS).
The center is co-located with the helicopter operations at FLG. The center
has three computer screens; the middle screen is used to show the GPS track
of their aircraft on a map. The other two screens are for the use of the TCs.
Radios are used to talk directly with the aircraft, and a radio scanner is
monitored for local issues.
Guardian Control is staffed with one TC during slow periods and two during
the busier times. Typically they work 12-hour schedules alternating between
night and day shifts. TC duties include: call taking, coordinating assets
for medical requests, offering flights to pilots, providing assistance for
requests received by the crew during missions, recording flight information
into various computer systems, flight following, and post accident incident
plan (PAIP) notification.
On duty pilots will brief with Guardian Control daily. Pilots call into the
center to advise fuel loading, weather status, crew information, and any
restrictions that are in place. This information is written on a grease
board on the wall of the center.
Flights originate with a phone call to the center. The closest most
appropriate aircraft is selected and the crew is alerted via pager.
Responding to the pager, the pilot and crew will call Guardian Control for
details. The pilot does a risk assessment and makes a decision as to whether
the flight can be completed.
If the mission is accepted the transportation coordinator will build the
flight plan in the Air Methods Flight Log program and into their CAD system.
The center will flight follow the aircraft from departure to the completion
of the flight and all required position reports.
The TC on-duty at the time of the accident had been employed as a
transportation specialist at Guardian Control for 1 1/2 years. She is a
licensed paramedic and had previous dispatch/communications experience with
the Navajo County Police Department.
She had also completed the Air Methods transportation coordinator-training
program, which certified her as a FAA Communications Specialist, and she
satisfactorily completed recurrent training on April 28, 2008. She normally
works a 12-hour, two days on, three days off or three days on, three days
off shift. She had been on duty for approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes at
the time of the accident.
The TC also stated that she got a call from Classic's communications center
wondering if she had heard from the pilot of Classic helicopter, N407MJ. She
said "no." She noted that N407GA was one minute overdue on the OuterLink
tracking system and tried to contact the pilot. She was unable to reach him.
She then heard that there had been an accident at Buffalo Park over the EMS
scanner, which was followed by a confirmation that N407MJ and N407GA had
collided and crashed east of the FMC helipad.
She also stated that the pilot of the Classic helicopter had not contacted
Guardian Control. This was the first time in 1 1/2 years that a Classic
pilot had not called Guardian Control. She was not sure why he did not call.
Classic Helicopter Services
Classic Helicopter Services operates a full time 24-hour, seven days a week,
centralized communications center called Classic Control. They have VFR
flight following responsibility for two EMS helicopters, and one fixed wing
EMS airplane, operated by an affiliated company under a separate air carrier
certificate. All pilots, medical crewmembers, and dispatchers are direct
employees of Classic or their affiliated company. The four full time
dispatchers and the two part-time dispatchers are trained under Classic's
internal dispatch training program.
Classic Control is co-located with the helicopter and fixed wing operations
in Classic's two-story building and hangar at the Page Municipal Airport,
Page, Arizona. It is equipped with two computer screens; one screen is used
to show the GPS position of their aircraft on a map. The other computer
screen is for the use of the dispatcher. A recorded ultra high frequency
(UHF) radio is used to talk directly with the aircraft in flight, and a
recorded very high frequency (VHF) radio is used to communicate with each of
the three on-duty pilots and each of the nine on-duty medical crewmembers.
The dispatchers have access to six telephone lines, and two of those phone
lines are recorded.
Classic Control is usually staffed with only one dispatcher. Typically they
work a 12-hour schedule alternating between night and day shifts and are
typically on duty for seven days and then off duty for seven days. The
dispatcher's duties include: call taking, coordinating assets for medical
requests, making radio calls to medical crews and to pilots about those
medical missions, providing assistance for requests received by the crew
during missions, including assistance with weather data, and current weather
radar, recording information about each mission into the folder for that
mission, flight following, PAIP notification.
Flights originate with a phone call to the center. The first up helicopter
or the fixed wing airplane is selected, and the pilot and the two medical
crewmembers are alerted by a direct call on handheld portable radios, which
are carried by each of those three persons.
The pilot does a risk assessment and makes a decision as to whether the
flight can be completed. If the mission is accepted, the dispatcher will
continue to complete the entries in the folder for each separate mission.
Classic Control will flight follow the aircraft from departure to the
completion of the flight and all required position reports with each of
these events being recorded by handwritten entry on the paper communications
log.
On July 4, 2008, NTSB investigators interviewed the dispatcher who was
on-duty at the time of the accident, who is also the supervisor of Classic
Control. The dispatcher had been employed by Classic since September 10,
1997, and was promoted to supervisor in 1999. His duty hours consisted of a
seven-day shift that began on Monday and ended on Sunday, followed by seven
days in a row off duty. His shift began at 0600 and ended at 1800.
He stated that two of the communications radio channels and two of the
telephone lines are automatically recorded. The system will record any time
the microphone is activated or anytime there is any signal or any noise on
the radio channel. There are about six telephone lines at the facility,
however, the recording system only records conversations made on the two
telephone lines as follows: VHF portable hand held radio conversations; UHF
conversations on both Channel 1 to their repeater on Navajo Mountain, and on
their Channel 2, both UHF channels share the same receive frequency;
telephone calls on the "Bat Phone" or emergency line, which is the incoming
line for the toll-free emergency line; and one of the non-emergency lines,
which is the line that crews will normally use to make their incoming calls
to Classic Control. Each helicopter is equipped with a permanently mounted
cell phone, which is not recorded.
The dispatcher told investigators that on the day of the accident both
helicopters and the fixed-wing airplane had been dispatched, which he stated
was a relatively rare occurrence. He handled all three flights and
coordinated with the respective facilities.
At 1532 the pilot of Lifeguard 2 gave a 15-minute position report via the
onboard radio. The dispatcher acknowledged the call but did not inform the
pilot of the inbound Air Methods helicopter. He said "we normally would
notify our aircraft about another helicopter that was inbound at the same
time." At that time, he said he was unconcerned because the Guardian Control
TC had told him that she would notify the pilot of Lifeguard 2 of the other
inbound helicopter. In addition, he knew the Lifeguard 2 pilot was "so anal"
about contacting Guardian Control prior to landing at FMC.
Investigators played the recorded audio from the 1523 telephone call
recorded by Guardian Control (The dispatcher said he knew that Guardian had
recorded the telephone call, but he had not heard the tape). After listening
to the Guardian Control recording, he said he was amazed because he realized
that he did not remember the correct arrival time of Guardian Air at FMC. He
said he was amazed because he had incorrectly remembered his conversation
with the Guardian Control TC about who was supposed to advise Lifeguard 2
about N407GA.
He said, "I would have never guessed that [pilot] would have failed to call
Guardian" on his arrival at Flagstaff because he was "so anal about making
all of the calls correctly."
AERODROME INFORMATION
The FMC helipad (3AZ0) is a private use hospital heliport at an elevation of
7,016 feet. The helipad is located atop the emergency department roof on the
southeast corner of the hospital campus and was designed in compliance with
FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5390-2A, Heliport Design. The helipad is
40-foot wide and 80-foott long and is constructed of corrugated aluminum
matting, which is heated to prevent ice accumulation. A tricolor
green/amber/white beacon serves to identify FMC and has an illuminated
windsock for wind information. A closed circuit video monitoring system that
is activated with a motion-sensor was installed at the vestibule entrance
into the hospital from the pad. At the time of the accident, the camera was
operational, but did not capture the accident sequence. However, another
motion-sensor security camera was installed on the top of a hospital-parking
garage located approximately 50 yards from the helipad. The camera faced a
general direction of 70 degrees and was mounted on a concrete-based fixture
and affixed to a metal pole about ten feet high. Prior to the accident, a
hospital guest activated the camera, and it captured the collision of the
two helicopters.
The southern half of the helipad, identified with an "H" and amber perimeter
lights, is the designated take off and landing area. The northern half of
the helipad is for helicopter parking only. There are no aircraft services
available at FMC helipad.
To facilitate operations and communications between EMS operators and FMC,
on October 18, 1999, the hospital implemented Guidelines of Practice (HP
700-02) regarding FMS Helipad Operations. The guidelines address helipad
characteristics, communication procedures, arrival/departure procedures,
safety, reporting of violations, and potential consequences of repeat
violations.
The guidance states that helicopters operating at FMC are advised to
establish communications with Guardian Control at the earliest opportunity.
It is required that all inbound aircraft will notify Guardian Control at the
earliest convenience, but not less than a minimum of 5 miles out. The
guidance stated, "Timely communication with Guardian Air Control is
especially paramount when multiple helicopters are inbound to the facility."
When these frequencies are programmed into the VHF radios, it allows for
both monitoring and transmitting either air-to-ground or air-to-air
communications. EMS pilots can also monitor the FLG ATCT frequency for
potential traffic in the area.
In addition to the standard aviation navigation/communication radios and the
VHF radio used to communicate with Guardian Control, there is another UHF
radio frequency (Med Channel), which is used for the aircraft to communicate
with the ED. This radio is commonly referred to as EMSCOMM (EMS
Communication) and is used to transmit patient status and information along
with estimated arrival times to the hospital.
Guardian Control is broadcasted/received via the Mount Elden Repeater
located five miles northeast of FMC. According to Classic, mountain peaks
block the signal when they approach from the northwest. However, they are
able to receive the signal once they are within ten miles of the heliport.
During the time they cannot receive the Mount Elden repeater, they will use
an onboard cellular phone. However, they still have enough time and distance
(about ten miles) to contact Guardian Control via onboard radios prior to
landing. Guardian Control does not have the ability to shut down or deselect
a repeater.
Helicopters operating at FMC are encouraged to follow the noise abatement
guidelines depicted in the heliport's Guidelines of Practice. Arrivals and
departures from the east are advised to use Switzer Mesa as an initial point
while flights from the west are advised to use Basha's Plaza. Operators are
asked to avoid noise abatement areas whenever possible and are advised to
maintain an altitude of 8,000 feet mean sea level (msl) when flying over the
city of Flagstaff. All approaches and arrivals into the heliport are made to
the southern pad, designated by the "H." Due to the single landing area,
there are no simultaneous operations conducted on the FMC helipad. If two
helicopters arrive in close proximity, the first will land to the "H," then
slide to the parking area before the second helicopter lands on the "H." An
alternative would be for the first helicopter to hot-drop their patient,
then reposition to FLG, thereby clearing the helipad for the other arriving
helicopter.
The procedures stated that when an operator is ready to depart the helipad,
the pilot would contact Guardian Control. All departures commence at the
"H."
WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION
The accident site was located approximately 1/4 mile east of the FMC
helipad. The Air Methods helicopter, N407GA, came to rest on level, sparsely
wooded terrain at 7,057 feet elevation. The Classic Aviation Services
helicopter, N407MJ, came to rest on sloping, wooded terrain at 7,021 feet
elevation; about 300 feet west of the Air Methods helicopter. A rocky
embankment, about 25 feet in height, separated the two helicopters.
According to GPS data, the Air Methods helicopter main wreckage was
positioned 0.26 nautical miles (nm) from the FMC helipad on a 073 degree
magnetic bearing. The Classic helicopter main wreckage was positioned 0.22
nm from the FMC helipad on a 081-degree magnetic bearing.
N470GA; Air Methods Corporation
General
The Air Methods helicopter, N407GA, was destroyed due to the mid-air
collision and subsequent collision with terrain, post-impact explosion and
fire. The helicopter impacted terrain subsequent to the mid-air collision.
Burned vegetation and trees surrounded the wreckage. The helicopter came to
rest upright, with the fuselage orientated on an approximate magnetic
heading of 060 degrees.
The fuselage, engine, main rotor transmission, and rotor mast were involved
in the post-impact fire. The engine, transmission, and rotor mast were
positioned to the right of and adjacent to the main fuselage. The aft
fuselage and tailboom were separated from the main wreckage. They came to
rest about 15 feet west of the fuselage, and were oriented approximately
90-degrees relative to the main fuselage orientation. The aft fuselage
exhibited damage consistent with the post-impact fire, with the damage
decreasing aft. The tailboom did not exhibit substantial fire damage.
Fuselage
The cockpit, cabin, and aft fuselage were discolored and soot covered
consistent with the effects of a post-impact fire. The fire had consumed the
top and sides of the fuselage, and the cockpit and cabin areas were exposed.
The aircraft also exhibited damage consistent with impact forces. A section
of the lower right fuselage nose, including the pitot tube, was separated
from the remainder of the fuselage. It came to rest in the debris path about
150 feet southeast of the main wreckage.
The flight controls were damaged consistent with impact forces and
post-impact fire. The cyclic and collective controls were present in the
cockpit area. Both were separated at the base fittings. The throttle was in
the "Fly" position when observed at the accident site. The splines at the
base of the collective appeared intact. Co-pilot controls were not
installed. The cyclic and collective control tubes in the cockpit floor area
appeared intact to the base of the vertical tunnel. Within the vertical
tunnel (broom closet), the flight control tubes were fractured in a manner
consistent with overload failures. Control tube rod ends were also bent and
fractured.
The main rotor servo actuators remained partially attached to the bulkhead
at the top of the vertical tunnel. The units were damaged consistent with
impact forces and were discolored due to the post-impact fire.
The on-board medical oxygen bottle was observed in two pieces. An end
fragment came to rest about 75 feet northeast of the fuselage. The second
piece, which contained the valve and pressure gauge, remained with the
fuselage. Both pieces exhibited discoloration and sooting consistent with
fire damage.
Main Rotor System
The main rotor blades remained attached to their respective yoke flexures on
the main rotor hub. The rotor hub, mast, and main transmission, with the
transmission mounts attached, came to rest as a unit, adjacent to the
fuselage. The main rotor blades were deformed. The components exhibited
sooting and discoloration consistent with the post-impact fire. The main
rotor transmission mount was fractured along the left, aft support. The
remaining supports were deformed, but they did not appear fractured.
The pitch change links were fractured, with the appearance of the fracture
surfaces consistent with overload failure. The opposing pitch change link
rod ends remained attached to the rotating swashplate, with the exception of
one of the links. One swashplate attachment arm was separated, along with
the mating portion of the pitch change link. The non-rotating portion of the
swashplate appeared intact. The control links remained attached to the
swashplate at the rod ends; however, the links were fractured.
The main transmission was intact. Partial rotation of the main drive shaft
produced corresponding rotation of the main rotor mast. The main drive shaft
was fractured aft of the transmission. The K-flex coupling between the drive
shaft and the transmission remained intact. The K-flex coupling at the aft
end of the first drive shaft segment was fractured. Appearance of the
fracture surfaces was consistent with overload failures. Rotational
continuity was observed between the main rotor and tail rotor drive shafts,
through the engine gearbox and freewheeling unit.
The four main rotor blades remained attached to the yoke flexures at the
rotor mast. The blade bolts appeared intact and properly installed. All four
blades exhibited fire damage at the inboard ends of the blades. The blades
were arbitrarily numbered one through four for identification purposes. The
corresponding color designation of the blades could not be determined due to
the fire damage.
Blade one exhibited discoloration and delamination along the inboard 4 1/2
feet of the blade. Blue and red chordwise marks, consistent with paint
transfer, were observed on the leading edge over an approximate length of
five inches. Blade two sustained impact and thermal damage. Blue chordwise
marks, consistent with paint transfer, were observed on the leading edge,
approximately two inches in the length. The inboard 5 1/2 feet of the
leading edge abrasion strip was separated from the blade and recovered
approximately 150 feet south of the fuselage. Blade three exhibited fire
damage along the entire length of the blade. Identification of any leading
edge transfer marks was precluded by fire damage. Blade four exhibited fire
damage along the entire length of the blade; with the exception of a section
about three feet in length near mid-span. The blade root hub was discolored
but appeared intact. Discoloration due to fire damage prevented the
identification of any leading edge transfer marks.
Engine
The engine came to rest adjacent to the main rotor mast and fuselage. The
entire engine was discolored consistent with the post impact fire. The
compressor impeller was intact; however, several impeller blades exhibited
leading edge nicks and gouges. Abrasion and scrape marks were observed on
the compressor support. The power turbine and gas producer sections appeared
intact. The combustion housing and engine exhaust stack were deformed. The
engine gearbox housing was intact, with the exception of a section
approximately two inches square.
The engine control unit (ECU) sustained damage consistent with the fire. The
ECU housing was fractured in several places exposing the components. The ECU
was retained for further examination.
Tailboom / Tail Rotor
The tailboom and a section of the aft fuselage separated from the remainder
of the airframe. The tailboom remained securely attached to the aft fuselage
segment. The aft fuselage section and forward portion of the tailboom
exhibited discoloration consistent with fire damage. The remainder of the
tailboom did not exhibit any thermal damage.
The tailboom was fractured about 21 inches aft of the tailboom-to-fuselage
attachment point. The skin was buckled adjacent to the fracture. The aft
fuselage section came to rest on its right side. The tailboom aft of the
fracture came to rest upright. The tail rotor drive shaft and pitch control
rod were continuous across the fracture. However, the tail rotor pitch
control rod was bent in the vicinity of the fracture.
The remainder of the tailboom was intact, including the tail rotor drive
shaft, transmission, and pitch change links. However, the forward flange of
one drive shaft segment was fractured. Rotation of the drive shaft aft of
the fractured flange produced a corresponding rotation of the tail rotor
blades, without binding. Both tail rotor blades remained attached to the
hub. One blade exhibited an area of skin delamination near the trailing edge
about mid-span consistent with impact damage. Otherwise, the blades
exhibited only minor abrasions and scratches.
The vertical fin stabilizer separated from the aft end of the tailboom at
the attachment screws. It came to rest immediately adjacent to the tailboom
consistent with separation at the time of the impact. The right horizontal
stabilizer and end cap were separated from the tailboom about seven inches
outboard of the tailboom. The separated portion of the horizontal stabilizer
remained securely attached to the tailboom. The upper and lower sections of
the end cap were separated from the stabilizer, and from each other, at the
outboard end of the horizontal stabilizer. Both end cap sections were
recovered from the debris path.
Landing Gear/Skids
All the landing gear (skid) components came to rest with the main wreckage,
and were lying in proper position relative to the airframe. Both skids were
fractured. The landing gear crosstubes were deformed downward (flattened) on
both the left and right sides. The extent of deformation was greater on the
right side, consistent with a right side low, vertical impact.
N407MJ; Classic Helicopter Services
General
The Classic Helicopter Services helicopter, N407MJ, was destroyed due to the
mid-air collision and subsequent collision with trees and terrain. No fire
damage was noted on the helicopter.
The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage, engine, transmission, and main
rotor hub and blades. Three trees located approximately 35 feet east of the
fuselage were broken off approximately 25 to 40 feet above ground level.
Multiple tree branches and limbs exhibited fresh breaks were located on the
ground in the vicinity of the fuselage. The tail boom was separated from the
fuselage. It came to rest approximately 73 feet east of the fuselage.
Fuselage
The fuselage was fragmented into three sections. The forward (cockpit)
section came to rest inverted, nose down at an angle of about 45-degrees
relative to the terrain, against two trees. The mid (cabin) section of the
fuselage was separated from the forward section. It came to rest on its left
side adjacent to the forward section. The engine, main rotor transmission,
and rotor mast were also on their left side, in position, relative to the
mid section. The aft fuselage section came to rest on its left side, nearly
inverted, against a tree. A 12-inch section of the tailboom remained
attached to the fuselage. The fuselage nose was crushed aft. The left side
of the fuselage was separated completely, exposing the cockpit and forward
cabin areas.
The flight controls were damaged consistent with impact forces. The cyclic
and collective controls were present in the cockpit area. Both were
separated near the base. Co-pilot controls were not installed. The cyclic
and collective control tubes in the cockpit floor area appeared intact to
the base of the vertical tunnel. The control tubes within the vertical
tunnel (broom closet) were bound, but appeared intact. Control tube rod ends
were intact. The anti-torque pedals were present. The control rod was
severed about six inches inboard of the bellcrank. The rod end remained
attached.
The main rotor servo actuators remained attached to the bulkhead at the top
of the vertical tunnel. The units were damaged consistent with impact
forces. The control rods were bent, but appeared intact.
Main Rotor System
The main rotor blades remained attached to the rotor hub. The rotor hub,
mast, and transmission remained secured to the fuselage roof beam structure
by the transmission mounts. They came to rest with the engine and the
remainder of the fuselage.
The transmission housing and mounts appeared intact. The main drive shaft
segment remained securely attached to the transmission at the K-flex
coupling. The main drive shaft segment was intact, but exhibited
circumferential scoring along its length. The K-flex coupling at the aft end
of the shaft was fractured in a manner consistent with overload. The
transmission exhibited continuity through the unit. Rotation of the forward
end of the main drive shaft produced corresponding rotation of the main
rotor mast.
The main rotor mast, blade mounting yokes, and pitch change horns appeared
intact. One pitch change link was intact. The remaining three pitch change
links were fractured. The ends of the links were still attached to the horns
and rotating swashplate via the rod ends, with one exception. One clevis on
both the rotating and non-rotating halves of the swashplate was fractured.
Appearance of the fracture surfaces on the swashplate and the pitch change
links was consistent with overload failures. Flight control linkage to the
non-rotating portion of the swashplate remained attached and was intact. One
control rod was deformed. The support brackets common to the linkage
bellcranks were fractured.
The four main rotor blades remained attached to the yoke flexures at the
rotor mast. The blade bolts appeared intact and properly installed. The
blades were arbitrarily numbered one through four for identification. The
corresponding color of each blade is also included for reference.
Blades one, two, and three were fragmented, dented, and deformed consistent
with impact damage. The tips of these blades had separated and were
recovered in the accident debris path. Blade one (blue) exhibited blue paint
transfer marks over a 5 1/2 inch length. In addition, green and white paint
transfer was observed near the leading edge. Blade two (orange) exhibited a
3-inch wide area of white paint transfer marks along the leading edge of the
blade. Chordwise scratches were also observed. Blade three (red) exhibited
white paint transfer marks over a 3-inch wide area, and chordwise scratches
on the upper and lower surfaces near the area of paint transfer. Blade four
(green) was intact; however, the blade exhibited leading edge denting. Blue
paint transfer was observed on the upper and lower surfaces of the leading
edge over a 7-inch width.
Engine
The engine remained secured to the airframe by the engine mounts. It came to
rest partially inverted, forward (inlet) end downward orientation. The
forward engine mount was intact. The aft engine mount was separated from the
airframe and deformed. The compressor impeller disc was intact; however, the
blades exhibited leading edge gouges. Scrape marks were observed on the
compressor front support consistent with impeller rotation at the time of
impact. The impeller disc exhibited resistance and binding when rotated by
hand. Continuity to the starter-generator was observed during rotation. The
turbine wheel appeared intact. The turbine wheel rotated and exhibited
continuity to the output shaft.
Tailboom / Tail Rotor
The tailboom separated from the airframe about 12 inches aft of the tailboom-to-fuselage
joint. The forward 12-inch section of the tailboom remained attached to the
fuselage. The skin was deformed, twisted, and torn at the separation point.
The tail rotor gearbox, and vertical fin stabilizers had separated from the
aft end of the tailboom, and came to rest adjacent to the tailboom. The
pitch change linkage remained attached to the gearbox. The gearbox appeared
intact. The tail rotor mast and tail rotor blades remained attached to the
gearbox. The gearbox exhibited continuity when the input drive shaft was
rotated. The pitch control links were bent, and the pitch control mechanism
appeared functional.
The tail rotor drive shaft segment immediately forward of the gearbox
remained attached at the flexible Thomas coupling; however, the coupling was
fractured. The forward end of the drive shaft exhibited rotational scoring.
Two drive shaft segments remained attached to the tailboom, and they were
bent and dented. The forward drive shaft segments had separated from the
mating segments.
Both tail rotor blades remained secured to the tail rotor hub assembly and
mast. One tail rotor blade exhibited leading edge crushing damage over the
inboard portion of the blade, and deformation along the trailing edge. Blue
and red paint transfer marks were observed on the face of the blade and on
the trailing edge near mid-span. Black transfer marks were observed on the
leading edge near mid-span. The second tail rotor blade exhibited crushing
damage over the inboard 1/2 span of the blade. Blue paint transfer was
observed in this area. The inboard 5 1/2 inches of the blade leading edge
exhibited black transfer marks.
The horizontal stabilizer and end caps were fragmented. The outboard 2/3 of
the right horizontal stabilizer had separated from the airframe. The
remaining inboard portion of the assembly remained securely attached to the
tailboom. The separation was oriented forward-aft, parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The right end cap was intact and remained
securely attached to the separated section of the horizontal stabilizer.
The left horizontal stabilizer separated into three fragments. The inboard
section remained attached to the tailboom. This section was approximately
18-inches in length at the leading edge and orientated at a 27-degree angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The second fragment of
the left horizontal stabilizer was about 6-inches in length. The stabilizer
exhibited a distinct upward bend adjacent to the fracture surface consistent
with an impact from below. The third fragment consisted of the remainder of
the stabilizer, with the end cap attached. Additionally, a section of the
left end cap was separated from the remainder of the assembly. The fragment
consisted of the upper-aft portion of the end cap, above the horizontal
stabilizer. The skin adjacent to the separation was bent inboard.
The horizontal stabilizer and end cap fragments were distributed along the
top edge of the embankment in the vicinity of the N407GA main wreckage.
The tailboom exhibited a cut through the lower skin in the area below the
horizontal stabilizer. This cut was orientated at an approximate angle of 38
degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The carry-thru
structure of the horizontal stabilizer was deformed upward, but appeared
intact. The deformation continued to the inboard portion of the horizontal
stabilizer. The horizontal stabilizer vane had separated from the airframe;
however, it was also deformed consistent with the adjacent damage.
The tailboom was creased on the left side at the forward end near the
separation from the fuselage. It was oriented upward at an angle of about 37
degrees relative to the ground reference. The forward portion of the
deformation exhibited blue transfer marks. The skin was torn through along
an approximate one-inch length at the lower-forward end of the crease. The
crease was sharp and distinct at the lower-forward end, and became shallower
as it progressed upward and aft.
Landing Gear/Skids
The landing skid assembly separated from the airframe and was located
adjacent to the airframe at the accident site. The right skid was intact.
The left skid was fractured at 2 locations between the forward and aft
crosstube saddles. The forward crosstube was fractured above both the left
and right saddles. Both the left and right steps had separated from the
crosstube legs. The left leg of the aft crosstube was deformed inboard about
60 degrees. Both the forward and aft crosstube legs on the right side of the
aircraft were deformed outboard approximately 30 degrees. Fracture surfaces
were consistent with overload failure.
MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Autopsies were performed on all occupants by the Office of the Coconino
County Medical Examiner, Flagstaff, Arizona. All occupants' cause of death
was listed as multiple blunt force injuries. Specimens for toxicological
tests were taken from the pilots and medical crewmembers by the medical
examiner.
The FAA's Civil Aeromedical Institute's Forensic and Accident Research
Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, examined the specimens taken by the medical
examiner. Toxicological tests performed on all specimens were negative for
carbon monoxide, cyanide, ethanol, and all screened drugs, with the
following exception; the Classic pilot's blood contained 0.041 (ug/mL, ug/g)
Normeperidine, and an unspecified amount of Normeperidine was detected in
the urine.
Normeperidine is a metabolite of meperidine, a prescription narcotic
painkiller, used for the control of severe pain, and commonly known by the
trade name Demerol.
On June 23, 2008, the Classic pilot had been involved in an assault with a
trespasser on his property and was being treated for minor injuries. The
pilot's wife noted that he had been prescribed Demerol for pain from the
injuries and that he was not in any discomfort from the injuries at the time
of the accident.
TESTS AND RESEARCH
Engine Control Units
General
The ECU had the capability to store real-time data related to engine
operating parameters, fault history, and abnormal engine condition
(incident) information. System anomalies were recorded as Last Engine Run
Faults, Accumulated Faults, and Time Stamped Faults. Last Engine Run Faults
represented a record of fault conditions detected during the most recent
engine run only. Accumulated faults comprised a record of faults recorded by
the unit since the memory was last cleared. This included last engine run
faults. Time Stamped Faults contained an accounting of recent fault and
exceedance detections, with the associated engine operating time parameter.
An Incident Recorder monitored a set of engine control parameters for
abnormal conditions. In the case that an anomaly or incident was detected,
the recorder provided for 12 seconds of pre-incident data (10 data sets),
and 48 seconds of post-incident data (40 data sets) to be written to
non-volatile memory.
N407GA; Air Methods Corporation
The ECU recovered from N407GA was model number EMC-35A, serial number
JG8ALK0554. The unit exhibited impact and thermal damage. Partial
disassembly of the unit revealed extensive damage to the components
containing the non-volatile memory. As a result, no data could be extracted
from the unit.
N407MJ; Classic Helicopters Services
The ECU recovered from N407MJ was model number EMC-35A, serial number
JG0ALK0653. It had sustained damage consistent with impact forces. Internal
damage to the unit was minor and extraction of the non-volatile memory was
successful.
Engine history data noted an ECU operating time of 3,556.53 hours and an
engine run time of 1,374.80 hours. The ECU operating time represents the
cumulative time that electrical power had been applied to the unit.
Maintenance personnel cannot access this parameter. The engine run time is
incremented when the engine is actually running. Maintenance personnel
normally set this parameter at installation.
The data contained a power turbine speed (Np) exceedance that occurred at an
engine run time of 1371:01:18.216. The exceedance lasted for 0.96 seconds
and reached a peak value of 103.09 percent. A turbine speed in excess of
102.1 percent triggers an exceedance event. According to the ECU
manufacturer, Np parameter values in excess of the limit are not uncommon
due to occasional flight operations such as quick landings or descents, and
do not necessarily indicate any system or operational anomalies.
The ECU incident recorder contained two events. The first occurred at
1374:54:52.896 and was triggered by a loss of rotor speed below 92 percent.
The actual rotor speed recorded during the event was 86 percent. The second
event occurred at 1374:54:53.208 and was associated with a torque rate
sensor exceedance. A sensor exceedance is generated when the
sample-to-sample change exceeds 1,500 percent per second. This event was
partially recorded in the history data. According to the ECU manufacturer,
the absence of an associated timestamp was possibly because electrical power
was removed from the unit at the time the data was being written into
non-volatile memory.
The incident recorder function in the ECU provided ten data sets prior to
the incidents and 40 data sets after, for a total of 50 data sets. However,
only records three through 11 contained any data. The absence of data on
records one and two was likely due to an interruption of electrical power
before the information could be transferred into non-volatile memory. A loss
of power to the ECU also likely caused the absence of data on records 12
through 50.
The data indicated that the engine control system was in Auto mode with no
indication of a fault condition prior to the initial event. After the two
events, the data indicated the ECU was operating in a degraded condition due
to the confirmed senor fault.
Radios
General
The communications radios were removed from both aircraft in an attempt to
retrieve the frequencies selected at the time electrical power was
interrupted. Both aircraft were equipped with Bendix/King radios for
communication and navigation on assigned aviation frequency ranges. The
Bendix/King radios are designed to hold two frequencies. One is denoted as
"Use" and the other is denoted as "Stby." The in-use ("Use") frequency is
active for receiving and transmitting. The standby ("Stby") frequency can be
exchanged with the in-use frequency by depressing the button on the bezel.
To support the EMS mission, the aircraft were also equipped with multi-band
transceivers for communication with ground based police, fire, and emergency
medical personnel. The multi-band radios had the capability to communicate
on VHF/UHF FM frequency bands.
N407GA; Air Methods Corporation
The KX165 (s/n 60021) exhibited impact and thermal damage. The faceplate was
removed and a new one installed on the accident unit. When powered up, the
unit displayed the communications in-use frequency as 134.55 and the standby
frequency as 122.75. The navigation in-use frequency was 113.85 and the
standby frequency was 108.75. The transmit and receive functions of the unit
tested within specifications. The transmission power when tested was 15
watts. The manufacturer's specification was 10 watts minimum.
The KX165 (s/n 65129) also exhibited impact and thermal damage. The
faceplate was removed and a new one installed on the accident unit. When
powered up, the unit displayed the communications in-use frequency as 123.02
and the standby frequency as 136.87. The navigation in-use frequency was
116.90 and the standby frequency was 113.80. The transmit and receive
functions of the unit tested within specifications. The transmission power
tested within specifications at 15 watts.
The multi-band radio system was comprised of Global/Wulfsberg RT-138F and
RT-406F FM transceivers, paired with a Northern Airborne Technologies TH-250
radio control head. The selected frequencies were retained in the control
head unit and not in the transceivers.
The radio control head sustained impact and thermal damage. Examination of
the component determined that the unit was set to power-up on specific
preset frequencies, and not necessarily the frequency set at the time it was
powered down. The component was set to power-up on channel 031 for RT#1 and
channel 047 for RT#2. However, the manufacturer noted that the transceiver
type retrieved from the unit was incorrect for a Flexcomm interface. This
may be an indication that the memory circuits were damaged to some extent.
N407MJ; Classic Helicopter Services
The aviation radios recovered from N407MJ were a Bendix/King KX165 Nav-Comm
(p/n 060-1025-25 / s/n 58421) and a KY196A Comm (p/n 064-1054-30 / s/n
8345).
The KX165 (s/n 58421) sustained impact damaged and could not be powered up
directly. The electronic component containing the non-volatile memory was
removed and installed into a host radio unit. When powered up, the host unit
displayed the communications in-use frequency as 125.30 and the standby
frequency as 122.80. The navigation in-use frequency was 117.60 and the
standby frequency was 108.40.
The KY196A (s/n 8345) had sustained minor damage. The unit was connected to
an electrical harness and powered-up in the as-received condition. The
in-use frequency displayed was 134.55 and the standby frequency was 120.62.
The transmit and receive functions of the unit tested within specifications.
The transmission power tested within specifications at 20 watts.
The multi-band radio system consisted of a Technisonic Industries Ltd. Model
TFM-500 unit (s/n JA1563). The unit exhibited impact damage to the faceplate
and the forward printed-circuit boards. The damaged faceplate was replaced
and power was applied to the unit. Examination of the radio determined that
the unit was set to display the most recently tuned frequencies at each
power-up sequence. Functional testing of the VHF and UHF bands was normal,
and no mechanical anomalies were observed. The frequencies displayed upon
power-up were:
Display line 1 (VHF) – 023 GARFCORPT 156.0150RT
Display line 2 (UHF) – 001 CLASSIC1 463.6250RT
Display line 3 – GD1 NPS Guardn 171.6250RX
Display line 4 – BS VHF TONE OFF PWR-HI
ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
Air Methods Corporation
Air Methods is a FAR Part 135 Air Carrier, which held on-demand operations
specifications. Company headquarters are located in Englewood, Colorado. The
Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, Chief Pilot, Director of
Operations, Director of Maintenance, and the Director of Safety reside in
Colorado.
Air Methods was established in Colorado in 1982 and now serves as the
largest provider of air medical emergency transport services and systems
throughout the United States. Air Methods operates a fleet of more than 342
helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft in 42 states. It currently employs
nearly 1,100 pilots.
Air Methods Corporation and its subsidiaries provide air medical emergency
transport services and systems in the United States. It operates in three
segments: Community-Based System, Hospital-Based System, and Products.
The Community-Based System (CBS) segment provides air medical transportation
services, which include medical care, aircraft operation and maintenance,
communications and control, and medical billing and collection services. As
of December 31, 2007, this segment operated 135 helicopters and four fixed
wing aircraft. Under the CBS delivery model, Air Methods employees provide
medical care to patients en route
The Hospital-Based System (HBS) segment provides air medical transportation
services and medically equipped helicopters and airplanes for hospitals. As
of December 31, 2007, this segment operated 187 helicopters and 16 fixed
wing aircraft. Under the HBS delivery model, employees or contractors of Air
Methods, and the customer hospitals en route, provide medical care.
The Air Methods operation based at Flagstaff was considered a HBS. Northern
Arizona Healthcare, who owns/operates FMC, maintains the helipad, owns the
aircraft, and employs the pilots, medical crews, and the transportation
coordinators. This also includes all of the staff at Guardian Control and
the maintenance facility based at FLG.
The Products segment involves the design, manufacture, and installation of
aircraft medical interiors and other aerospace and medical transport
products for domestic and international customers.
LifeCom is Air Methods recently renovated, fully equipped national
communications center in Omaha, Nebraska, where they offer communications
and satellite-tracking capabilities. Medical billing and collections are
processed from their San Bernardino, California, facility. Air Methods
Operational Control Center (OCC) in Englewood, Colorado, monitors all
flights. The Flight Management System (FMS) is a custom designed computer
application that monitors and provides real-time weather and flight alerts
for company aircraft. The OCC is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A voluntary accreditation, Air Methods encourages all of their CBS programs
to seek and maintain Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport
Systems (CAMTS) certification. CAMTS is an independent agency that audits
and accredits fixed and rotor wing air medical transport and critical care
ground services in the United States to a set of industry-established
standards.
Classic Helicopter Services
Classic began service with one helicopter and a medical crew of two basic
EMT's on Memorial Day 1988. Classic began as a seasonal service to assist
the National Park Service in transporting trauma patients from the Lake
Powell area to a trauma center. Classic started lifeguard air ambulance
operations because the park service would often call Classic tour
helicopters from Bryce Canyon to airlift injured people from Lake Powell.
Classic works closely with the National Park Service, Navajo Nation EMS,
Arizona and Utah Highway Patrol, City of Page, Arizona Fire Department, and
the various other agencies in Utah and Arizona.
At the time of the accident, Classic operated two Bell 407 helicopters and a
fixed-wing Beech E90 King Air. Their communications center is monitored 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
Classic has logged over 5,000 missions since they began service in 1988.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FMC Guidelines of Practice
According to FMC's Guidelines of Practice, any violations of safety
practices and/or the published procedures will be reported to the FMC
Director of Security/Safety. The Director will then follow-up with the
operator and "seek compliance for the reported violations."
In an interview, FMC's Director of Safety/Security stated there were
currently six operators authorized to operate from the FMC helipad. He said
that there had not been any violations of the Guidelines of Practice, but if
there had there been, he would talk to the operator directly. He reported
that FMC did not have any on-going disciplinary problems with any operator
at the time of the accident.
The Director of Safety/Security stated that he used to coordinate annual
Safety Committee meetings with all of the helicopter operators, but he had a
"problem getting all the vendors together." He had not held a meeting in "a
while" and could not recall when the last meeting had been conducted. The
Director reviewed FMC's Safety Meeting records, which revealed that the last
Safety Committee meeting was in July 2004. According to the meeting notes,
only one of the operators attended. As a result, the following statement was
placed in the Meeting Notes, "It has been determined that when a helicopter
vendor has been reasonably notified about helipad safety meetings and does
not send representation; the vendor is stating there are no safety issues
they need to have addressed and are accepting the committee's actions. All
vendors have been given committee contact information and are encouraged to
use it if they are unable to have a representative at the meetings."
The Director also stated that FMC's Guidelines of Practice are revised every
three years per hospital policy or if there is a need to revise the
procedures. The last revision was completed on September 11, 2007. He stated
that he mailed and faxed the revised procedures to each operator.
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
FAR 91.111 addresses operating near other aircraft. It states in part that
no person may operate an aircraft so close to another aircraft as to create
a collision hazard. FAR 91.113 states in part that vigilance shall be
maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other
aircraft.
Advisory Circular (AC) 90-48C Pilots' Role in Collision Avoidance
According to AC 90-48C, "...the flight rules prescribed in Part 91 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) set forth the concept of "See and
Avoid." This concept requires that vigilance shall be maintained at all
times, by each person operating an aircraft, regardless of whether the
operation is conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) or Visual Flight
Rules (VFR).
"Pilots should also keep in mind their responsibility for continuously
maintaining a vigilant lookout regardless of the type of aircraft being
flown. Remember that most MAC [mid-air collision] accidents and reported MAC
[near mid-air collisions] occur during good VFR weather conditions and
during the hours of daylight."
The AC further states, "pilots should remain constantly alert to all traffic
movement within their field of vision as well as periodically scan the
entire visual field outside of their aircraft to ensure detection of
conflicting traffic. The probability of spotting a potential collision
threat increases with the time spent looking outside, but certain techniques
may be used to increase the effectiveness of the scan time. The human eyes
tend to focus somewhere, even in a featureless sky. In order to be most
effective, the pilot should shift glances and refocus at intervals. Pilots
should also realize that their eyes may require several seconds to refocus
when switching views between items in the cockpit and distance objects.
Peripheral vision can be most useful in spotting collision threats from
other aircraft. Pilots are reminded of the requirements to move one's head
in order to search around the physical obstructions, such as door and window
posts."
OTHER INFORMATION
The weather conditions that existed at the accident site during the time of
the accident were recorded to be clear skies and daylight conditions
prevailed. The Classic helicopter was equipped with a Garmin 496 global
positioning system (GPS), which contained a terrain awareness warning system
(TAWS) feature. The Air Methods helicopter was not equipped with TAWS. Both
helicopters were not equipped with traffic collision avoidance systems (TCAS).
The accident flights were being tracked by a flight following program, and
both flights did receive flight dispatch services prior to and during the
flights. Additionally, formal flight risk assessments were performed prior
to the flights.
On February 7, 2006, the NTSB issued four safety recommendations to the FAA
addressing EMS operations. They are as follows:
NTSB Recommendation No. A-06-12 - Require all EMS operators to comply with
14 CFR Part 135 operations specifications during the conduct of all flights
with medical personnel onboard. NTSB Recommendation No. A-06-13 - Require
all EMS operators to develop and implement flight risk evaluation programs
that include training all employees involved in the operation, procedures
that support the systematic evaluation of flight risks, and consultation
with others trained in EMS flight operations if the risks reach a predefined
level.
NTSB Recommendation No. A-06-14 - Require EMS operators to use formalized
dispatch and flight-following procedures that include up-to-date weather
information and assistance in flight risk assessment decisions. NTSB
Recommendation No. A-06-15 - Require EMS operators to install terrain
awareness and warning systems on their aircraft and to provide adequate
training to ensure that flight crews are capable of using the systems to
safely conduct EMS operations. These four recommendations were also placed
on the NTSB's "Most Wanted List of Safety Improvements" in October 2008.
Additionally, the NTSB stated in its January 2006 Special Investigation
Report on EMS Operations that they were pleased that the FAA encouraged the
use of night vision imaging systems in EMS operations, and that the NTSB
would continue to monitor the applicability and usage of these devices in
the EMS industry.
Also, on December 21, 2007, the NTSB issued two safety recommendations to
the FAA regarding the use of radar altimeters in EMS night operations. They
are as follows:
NTSB Recommendation No. A-07-111 - Require helicopter EMS operators to
install radar altimeters in all helicopters used in HEMS night operations.
NTSB Recommendation No. A-07-112 - Ensure that the minimum equipment lists
for helicopters used in helicopter EMS operations require that radar
altimeters be operable during flights conducted at night. |