GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. – Federal investigators have released their first official findings on a crash involving a North Memorial Medical Center helicopter that injured three people.
According to a preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot lost radar contact and encountered clouds shortly before he attempted landing the Agusta A109S helicopter at Chandler Field Airport in Alexandria, Minnesota.
The report also states the Sept. 17 early morning crash happened after the pilot aborted his first attempt to land.
“The pilot initiated a missed approach by utilizing the ‘go around’ function of the helicopters autopilot. During the missed approach, the helicopter made an uncommanded left bank followed by a right bank,” the report stated, adding that the pilot attempted to “counteract the bank by applying opposite cyclic control.”
The helicopter went on to hit several trees before crashing into the ground and coming to a stop in a wooded area, the report continued.
An NTSB spokesperson stated the initial report strictly contains observations. The final report will offer possible causes of the crash. The final report is expected within 12 to 18 months.
A spokesperson for North Memorial Medical Center says two of the people injured in the crash have been discharged from the hospital. The third person remains hospitalized in critical condition.
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