file photo: Airbus
An experienced flight nurse fell from a medical helicopter during a rescue mission in Austin, Texas, Monday night and was killed, officials have reported. The Star Flight EC-145 was operating at about 9:45 p.m. and the crew was working to hoist aboard a woman who had fallen from a cliff in a hiking area and injured her legs. Flight nurse Kristin McLain, 46, who had worked with the Star Flight team for seven years, fell from the helicopter’s hoist and died at the scene. The rescued patient was taken to a hospital and is recovering.
The FAA issued a new rule last year that requires operators of air ambulances to follow strict flight rules and procedures, but later, the implementation of the rule was postponed. The FAA said both the agency and the industry needed more time to be able to conform to the new rules. The rules require operators to follow stricter flight rules and procedures, improve communications and training, and carry additional on-board safety equipment. From 2011 to 2013, seven air ambulance accidents resulted in 19 fatalities, the FAA said. In March, the FAA said the overall helicopter accident rate was declining.
