Tragedy struck Kentucky on Monday evening when a medical helicopter crashed, claiming the lives of its entire crew. The Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) helicopter went down in Owenton, near state Highway 22, while en route to collect a patient, according to Kentucky State Police.
Initial investigations indicate that the helicopter may have collided with a “guy wire” before the crash. The three crew members, identified as Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken, and James Welsh, were based in Grant County and pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency responders were on-site shortly after the crash, which occurred around 5:30 p.m. local time. The helicopter involved was a Bell 206, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Kentucky State Police are leading the death investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA conducting a thorough review of the crash details. AEL has assured that they will cooperate fully with the investigations.
AEL expressed their condolences, stating, “This was a terribly tragic accident, and our deepest sympathies go out to the employees’ families and friends. Our focus is on supporting those affected.”
Witnesses reported hearing a loud “thump” from different locations, including Jay Thomas, who was working on his car nearby. “I know there’s going to be a lot of sad moments for their family,” he reflected.
Ernesto Hernandez, owner of Amigo Owenton, described the moment of the crash: “Everybody working, we heard a big explosion. We came outside and saw a lot of dark sky, everyone wondering what happened.” He noted that the crash caused visible smoke and flames.
A preliminary FAA report indicated that the helicopter struck a “guy wire,” leading to the crash and subsequent fire. Additionally, the crash resulted in a power outage in the area, managed by the Owen Electric Cooperative.
The NTSB anticipates that a final report detailing the probable cause and contributing factors will be released within the next 12 to 24 months. In the meantime, anyone with information or relevant footage is encouraged to contact the NTSB at [email protected].
Amid this heart-wrenching situation, the NTSB plans to analyze various elements, including radar data, weather conditions, maintenance records, and the pilot’s medical background, to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press