All crew members killed in tragic rescue helicopter crash

According to authorities, the entire crew of a medical helicopter died in a crash in Kentucky on Monday evening.

An Air Evac Lifeteam (AEL) helicopter crashed in Owenton near State Highway 22 while on its way to pick up a patient, Kentucky State Police said in a news release.

An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash. Initial reports indicate that the helicopter struck a “guy wire” before crashing.

The three crew members were identified by police as Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken and James Welsh.

Kentucky State Police were called to the crash site around 5:30 p.m. local time on Monday.

The victims, who lived outside of Grant County, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The helicopter was a Bell 206, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed in a statement.

Police are conducting the death investigation and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the helicopter crash, police said.

AEL said it will work closely with the FAA and NTSB during the investigation.

“This was a terribly tragic accident and our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the employees,” AEL said.

“Our main focus now is supporting the affected families and our team members.”

“Critical incident stress management teams have been deployed to support our team members during this difficult time.”

A witness told WCPO he heard a distant “knocking” as he was working on his car near the Amigo Owenton restaurant.

Jay Thomas said there was a large emergency response and a convoy of first responders heading to the crash site.

“I know there will be many sad moments for her family,” Thomas said. “I know friends and family from the community, from the area, I will be praying for all of you.”

Ernesto Hernandez, the owner of Amigo Owenton, told WLWT that customers were on the restaurant’s patio when the helicopter crashed

“With everyone working, we heard a big explosion,” Hernandez said. “We come outside and see a lot of dark sky, everyone wondering what happened.

Hernandez said there was an explosion and he saw smoke and flames.

A preliminary FAA accident and incident report was released early Tuesday that said the helicopter struck a “guy line” before crashing.

The helicopter caught fire after the crash, the report said.

Owen Electric Cooperative said the crash caused a power outage.

Firefighters were on site.

“A probable cause of the crash and any contributing factors will be detailed in the final report, which is expected in 12 to 24 months,” an NTSB statement said

The NTSB encouraged anyone with information or surveillance video that could assist in its investigation to contact it at [email protected].

“Once on scene, the investigator will begin documenting the crime scene and examining the aircraft.”

“Part of the investigation will include requesting radar data, weather information, maintenance records and the pilot’s medical records.”

“NTSB investigators will consider man, machine and environment as the framework of the investigation,” the NTSB statement said.

This article contains reporting from The Associated Press