Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Three Medical Crew Members

Scene of a helicopter crash with emergency responders at the site.

News Summary

In a heartbreaking incident in northern Madison County, Mississippi, a helicopter crash has claimed the lives of three medical crew members associated with life-saving operations. The AirCare 3 helicopter crashed shortly after taking off from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, resulting in a devastating loss for the community and the medical profession. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, which marks a significant tragedy in the history of AirCare.

Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Three Medical Crew Members in Madison County

In a tragic incident that has left the community in grief, a medical helicopter crashed on Monday in northern Madison County, Mississippi, near the picturesque Natchez Trace Parkway. This unfortunate event took the lives of three dedicated crew members associated with life-saving operations.

Who Were the Victims?

The helicopter was identified as AirCare 3, which operates out of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The crew members who lost their lives in this dreadful accident have been identified as:

Calvin Wesolowski, a 62-year-old pilot from Starkville, working with Med-Trans Corporation.
Dustin Pope, a 35-year-old flight nurse and base supervisor for AirCare from Philadelphia.
Jakob Kindt, a 37-year-old critical care paramedic hailing from Tupelo.

All three were dedicated professionals committed to the critical mission of providing emergency medical services.

The Chain of Events

On that fateful day, the helicopter had just completed a patient transport to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson and was en route back to Columbus around 12:28 p.m.. Shortly afterward, the aircraft lost communication with air traffic control. Concerned about flight control problems, the crew made contact with their base operations. Unfortunately, their efforts to land in an open field resulted in a crash around 12:36 p.m..

A call reporting the crash was made just minutes later at 12:40 p.m., prompting swift action from first responders. Arriving within four minutes, they encountered an immediate challenge as the wreckage was engulfed in flames, which later led to a second explosion about 20 minutes thereafter. The firefighting efforts continued for two to three hours, highlighting the intense situation they faced.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the crash, commencing on Tuesday by collecting vital evidence from the site. The wreckage was located in a challenging environment—muddy, murky, and surrounded by trees with standing water. Investigators reported tree scratch marks that are consistent with a rotor strike, pointing towards the causes of the crash.

Due to significant thermal damage caused by the fire, evidence collection processes may take longer. However, NTSB officials aim to remove the wreckage by Thursday, paving the way for further analysis. A preliminary report from the investigation is expected within 30 days, while a comprehensive final report will follow in one to two years. The investigation will be spearheaded by NTSB Senior Aerospace Engineer Mitch Gallo, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other relevant parties.

Significance of the Incident

This tragic crash marks the first incident in the 29-year history of AirCare, a service that has boasted a solid safety record. The loss is not only a personal tragedy for the families involved but also a significant loss for the community and the medical profession.

The Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at UMMC expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Medical Center family. Their sorrow runs deep for the families of the fallen crew, who were not just colleagues but also friends dedicated to serving the lives of others.

The AirCare 3 helicopter reportedly flew for approximately 11 minutes and covered a distance of 23 miles before the crash occurred. This incident has left behind a wake of sadness but also a reminder of the risks that come with the courageous jobs that emergency medical personnel do every day. The community unites in honoring the lives lost and the service they provided.