Medical helicopter crash kills three in Tucson, Arizona

TUCSON, ARIZONA (BNO NEWS) — A medical helicopter crashed on Wednesday in Tucson, officials said, killing all three people aboard.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Lynn Lunsford said the Air Methods helicopter, a Eurocopter AS350, crashed at approximately 1:40 pm MST (3:40 p.m. EST). All three aboard the plane – a paramedic, flight nurse and a pilot – were killed.

The helicopter was traveling from Marana to Douglas and according to Air Methods, no patients were on board the aircraft at the time of the accident. The aircraft was operated in support of the company’s LifeNet Arizona program.

“This is a sad day for all of us at Air Methods and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of our employees who perished while on duty,” said Aaron Todd, chief executive officer of Air Methods Corporation.

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the accident with cooperation and support from the company.

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