Medical helicopter crashes atop UNM Hospital

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has confirmed that a medical helicopter crashed upon take-off from UNM Hospital’s (UNMH) rooftop helipad after delivering a patient on 9 April. The pilot suffered injuries and is in ‘satisfactory’ condition at the hospital. Two other crew members onboard are under observation, but did not appear to be injured. There were no injuries to the hospital’s patients or employees.

The crash occurred as the helicopter attempted to leave the helipad at about 17:45 hrs. PHI Air Medical explained: “One of our helicopters … experienced an unforeseen issue on take-off resulting in the aircraft coming off of the helipad and onto the hospital rooftop, where the aircraft came to rest on its side.”

First responders were on the scene quickly, the hospital’s fire suppression system activated immediately, and UNMH activated its Emergency Operations Center to respond to the crash.

“Everything worked as it should, and first responders did an amazing job,” said UNMH spokesman Billy Sparks. “We are extremely fortunate that no one suffered major injuries and that no patients or employees were injured.”

As a precaution, 18 patients on portions of UNMH’s fifth and sixth floors directly beneath the helipad were moved to other areas of the hospital. Otherwise, patient care was uninterrupted, said UNMH.

Structural engineers were on the scene within hours to assess any structural damage and to monitor the stability and security of the crash site.