Incident reported

Kevin Sperling, safety manager of Life Link III in the US, recently reported on a non-injury incident via the CONCERN Network, involving a Life Link III AgustaWestland AW119 helicopter operated by Air Methods. The report reads thusly:

“Life Link 3 (N356LL) departed the Rochester International Airport (KRST) destined for the Willmar Municipal Airport (KBDH), returning to base from a patient transport. Twenty-six minutes into the one-hour flight, the pilot noted a caution light illuminating for low fuel pressure, followed by several additional warning lights. The pilot initially elected to divert to the closest airport, which was the Faribault Municipal Airport (KFBL), approximately 10 miles behind them. The crew contacted the Life Link III Communications Center and advised them of a diversion to the Faribault Airport. Immediately thereafter, the pilot noted the fuel pressure was actively decreasing, and elected to land immediately in a field. During the descent the aircraft lost all electrical power and subsequently all communications. The aircraft landed safely and there were no injuries. The crew contacted the Communications Center after landing, and the Post Accident/Incident Plan (PAIP) was activated. The Communications Center co-ordinated with the local Sheriff’s Department to secure the aircraft and to dispatch a mechanic. After extensive electrical testing, the mechanic attributed the issue to a faulty grounding wire in the aircraft. Once repaired, the aircraft was ferried back to base.

The PAIP process was initiated immediately, and management was on scene shortly thereafter. The crew noted good CRM between the pilot, medical crew, Communications Center, local law enforcement, management, mechanics, and aircraft manufacturer representatives.”