OPUS 12 Scientist 2014 Vol. 8, No. 1 J. P. Anagnostakos et al Submitted 12/2014 – Accepted 12/2014 – Published 12/2014 Copyright 2007-2014 OPUS 12 Foundation, Inc. 9 Sharing Quality Science Worldwide… Evidence tables: Summary of aeromedical incidents (2013-2014) John P. Anagnostakos 1 , David C. Evans, MD 2,4 , Christian Jones, MD 2 , Stanislaw P. A. Stawicki, MD 3,4 1 Medical School of Temple / St Luke’s University Health Network, St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem, PA, USA 2 Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Critical Care, and Burn, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA 3 Department of Research & Innovation, St Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA 4 OPUS 12 Foundation Multi-Center Review Group ABSTRACT Aeromedical transportation industry has grown significantly over the past two decades, with a corresponding increase in air ambulance crashes. The purpose of this report is to provide the reader with a concise update on aeromedical incidents that occurred between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. In addition, two pre-2013 incidents that were not listed in last year’s report were included in the current issue. This evidence table, in conjunction with other sources of data regarding aeromedical incidents, provides an excellent foundation for further research in this important area of public health, transportation and patient safety. Cite as: Anagnostakos JP, Evans DC, Jones C, Stawicki SPA. Evidence tables: Summary of aeromedical incidents (2013-2014). OPUS 12 Scientist 2014;8(1):9-16. Correspondence to: Stanislaw P. A. Stawicki, MD, Department of Research & Innovation, St Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015 USA. Email: stanislaw.stawicki@sluhn.org Keywords: Evidence table, Aeromedical incidents, Air ambulance safety; Medical helicopter; Medical ambulance crashes. BACKGROUND, DEFINITIONS, AND METRICS [Background] According to various sources, the number of aeromedical transports has been rapidly growing around the globe [1, 2], with an accompanying increase in crashes and deaths [3-8]. [Purpose] To provide a comprehensive summary of all readily searchable reports of aeromedical transportation incidents/crashes between January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2014; In addition, two pre-2013 incidents not previously reported in last year’s summary were also listed [2]. [Evaluation Methods] Various web resources were identified, reviewed and selected, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) database and other air safety Internet sources [9, 10]. This evidence table represents the authors’ best effort to identify and include as many aeromedical incidents as possible; however, it is likely that some events may not have been captured, either due to limited reporting or incomplete supporting documentation. Basic Information (Location, Date) [References] Known Course of Events Aircraft type; Circumstances; Possible Causes Comment; Supplemental Information Wichita Falls, Texas, USA (2014, October) [11-14] The helicopter was operated by Air Evac Lifteam The aircraft was transporting a patient from Waurika, Oklahoma to United Regional Health Care in Wichita Falls, Texas; Approximate distance between flight origin and destination was 35 miles Time of crash: Saturday; Approximately 01:50 am LT Helicopter type: Bell 206-L-1+ (LongRanger III) Location & Circumstances: The crash occurred at the intersection of Ninth and Grace streets, next to a parking lot; Approximately 300 feet from landing pad; The aircraft managed to avoid nearby structures; The helicopter was found by firefighters on fire but intact Possible cause: According to NTSB, “…the helicopter collided with power lines and came to rest inverted between two trees that lined a public sidewalk about one block northeast of the helipad” [14]; Immediately prior to the crash, the pilot decided to abort the approach. At this point, with about ¼ to ½ -inch of left anti-torque pedal applied, he added power, "tipped the nose over to get airspeed," and "pulled collective." The helicopter suddenly entered a rapid right turn. The pilot attempted to unsuccessfully control the helicopter, but was unable to regain control. He also said the engine had ample power and was operating fine. The pilot recalled the helicopter spinning at least five times before ground impact [14] The patient being transported died at the crash scene The pilot was listed in serious but stable condition at United Regional Health Care, Wichita Falls, Texas; The flight nurse and paramedic were in critical condition at the Parkland Hospital burn unit, Dallas, Texas [13] Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Canada (2014, August) [15-18] The aircraft was registered to Atlantic Charters out of New Brunswick The airplane was heading to airlift patients from Grand Manan Island to a hospital on New Brunswick Time of crash: Saturday; Approximately 05:00 am LT Airplane type: Twin Engine Piper PA-31-325 Navajo Circumstances: The aircraft was returning to Grand Manan island after flying a patient to Saint John Regional hospital on the New Brunswick mainland; The plane was traveling in reportedly foggy conditions; While attempting to land at Grand Manan Island airport the pilot carried out a missed approach [18]; During the second approach with the landing gear extended, the aircraft touched down on a road that was perpendicular to the runway about 450 meters from the threshold [18]; The aircraft departed the road and continued through approximately 30 meters of brush before becoming airborne; The plane then impacted the ground left of the runway centerline about 300 meters from the threshold [18] Possible cause: Investigation is ongoing, with possible causal factors including GPS malfunction, pilot error, and/or weather conditions Of the 4 people on-board, one of the pilots and a paramedic suffered fatal injuries while a second pilot and a registered nurse suffered minor injuries. There were no patients aboard during the crash [18]