Northwest MedStar - Non-injury incident

DATE	
	October 27, 2004  

PROGRAM	
	Northwest MedStar

VENDOR	
	Metro Aviation

ADDRESS	
	Spokane, Washington

WEATHER	
	Clear. Not a factor

AIRCRAFT_TYPE	
	EC 135 P2

TAIL#	
	N319MS

TEAM	
	Pilot, RN, RRT. No injuries reported. Patient on board. 

DESCRIPTION	
	After departing a referral facility the helicopter experienced smoke
	in the cockpit and cabin area.  The pilot made a precautionary
	landing and the patient was transferred via ground ambulance.  

ADDITIONAL INFO	
	After a thorough inspection maintenance has determined that this
	occurrence may have been a result of an inspection conducted earlier
	that day. During this inspection both engines were washed internally
	as well as the exterior of the helicopter with soap and clear rinse
	water.  Maintenance has instituted a new procedure after washing
	engines.  The heating and demisting system will be run down during
	ground run up checks and after heavy washing of the helicopter and
	the aircraft will be flown for drying purposes.  The aircraft
	returned to service with no reoccurrence of the smoke.

SOURCE	
	Pam Sheldon, Director of Operations

VIA	
	David Kearns, CONCERN Coordinator
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

The CONCERN network shares verified information to alert medical
transport programs when an accident / incident has occurred.
Please share the above information with your program staff. If
you have further questions, please contact the CONCERN Coordinator,
David Kearns at 800 525 3712 or email: coordinator@concern-network.org.