It was a "mercyflight" out of Great Falls...These things always shakes me as my closest neighbor and partners wife is a fight nurse for "STAT" air ambulance out of Glasgow- and my wifes best friend is also one of the flight nurses...
Over the years I've seen these folks fly in weather and go in or out of places that sent chills up and down my back, to get someone to medical treatment....I remember one ambulance pilot- spent more time in front of FAA hearings then he did at home, for some of the stunts he pulled to get a critical patient in or out of a closed airport---Definitely a risky job- especially the helicoptor air rescue units.....
Plane crashes near Gallatin Field Airport
By The Associated Press
MANHATTAN - A twin-engine medical airplane en route to Bozeman crashed near here late Tuesday, killing all three people on board, authorities said.
Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls confirmed its ''MercyFlight,'' a King Air 200 turboprop, was flying to Bozeman for a patient transport when the crash occurred. The pilot, a nurse and a paramedic were killed.
''We are devastated by the loss of our beloved friends, co-workers and members of our community,'' says Julie Hickethier, chief clinical officer. ''This is a time of tremendous mourning for our entire organization.''
Benefis Healthcare declined to identify the deceased, pending notification of family members. The aircraft apparently disappeared from radar shortly after 9 p.m. while inbound for the Gallatin Field Airport.
Gallatin County Sheriff Jim Cashell said the crash was reported at about 9:15 p.m. The crash site is about 15 miles northwest of the airport.
Searchers and rescue crews had to use all-terrain vehicles and Jeeps to reach the crash site.
Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board investigators were expected to arrive at the crash scene Wednesday morning.
Records indicate the airplane is owned by a Louisiana company and leased to Benefis.
