By Thom Bridge
Independent Record
LINCOLN, Mont. 鈥� A Life Flight helicopter crashed in Lincoln early Tuesday morning, authorities confirmed.
The helicopter鈥檚 crew walked away uninjured.
鈥淭his morning, at approximately 1:10 a.m. MDT, our Missoula-based aircraft and crew (LF 88) were involved in an accident in Lincoln, MT,鈥� a Life Flight Network spokesperson said Tuesday. 鈥淭here was no patient on board, and our team reported no injuries. We are deeply grateful that everyone is safe and able to return home to their families.鈥�
The company says they are cooperating fully with local and federal authorities as they investigate the cause of this incident.
鈥淎t this time, our focus is on supporting the well-being of our team,鈥� the spokesperson said. 鈥淲e will provide further updates as more information becomes available.鈥�
According to Zach Muse, Lincoln Volunteer Fire Rescue chief, the medical transport helicopter from Missoula was trying to land right in the center of Lincoln off of state Highway 200 when its rotor clipped a business sign, sending the helicopter crashing into the ground.
鈥淭here is debris everywhere,鈥� Muse said when reached by phone Tuesday. 鈥淥ne hundred yards in every direction.鈥�
Highway 200 is closed to both eastbound and westbound traffic until further notice. A detour is in place.
The crash happened as the helicopter was responding to a four-wheeler crash.
The Federal Aviation Administration will be investigating the crash.
The helicopter, tail number N38AJ, is a Bell 407 registered to Keybank NA out of Superior, Colorado.
鈥淭he Bell 407GXi is highly reliable and lives up to its reputation as a proven air medical helicopter,鈥� a post on the Life Flight Network鈥檚 website reads. 鈥淲ith its ultra-advanced avionics suite, the Bell 407GXi includes three-dimensional terrain mapping for the pilot and a two-axis autopilot for increased safety. Its power-to-weight ratio provides for excellent performance at high altitudes. An enhanced communications platform allows teams to seamlessly communicate with the dispatching agency or receiving hospital en route, on approach for landing, or at any other time during the patient transfer process.鈥�
Life Flight Network is a not-for-profit patient transport service providing helicopter, fixed-wing and ground ambulance transport throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana.
鈥淥ur mission is saving lives with industry-leading care and transport,鈥� the company鈥檚 website reads.
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