LifeFlight of Maine - Non-injury incident

Date: 4 July, 2006  EDT

Program: LifeFlight of Maine
	489 State Street 
	Bangor Me, 04401
	

Type: A109E
Tail #: N901EM
Operator/Vendor: Keystone Flight Services

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, flight nurse, flight paramedic. No injuries reported. No patient. 

Description: 
	Within 15 minutes of returning to the rooftop helipad following a
	lengthy inter-hospital transfer during hot and humid weather, the
	crew was toned for a ?standby? scene call for an off-road location. 
	Although only fifteen minutes away by helicopter, the scene was forty
	miles from the nearest hardtop road.
	
	Accepting the call pending a weather check, the pilot, who had been
	on the helipad servicing and securing the helicopter, went downstairs
	to check the weather.  Meanwhile, the med crew responded to the
	helipad.  After performing the weather check, the pilot returned to
	the helipad where the crew questioned him about conditions. When all
	were satisfied, the crew boarded the aircraft and it was started. 
	
	After lifting to reposition to the center of the helipad, a
	crewmember noticed that the wheel chocks had been left behind on the
	helipad. At the same time, the pilot noticed that TOT was high,
	though within limits.  However, he instantly realized that the engine
	intake covers were still on. The aircraft was landed and shut down. 
	
	Post flight inspection revealed that the intake covers were still in
	place. The mechanic was called in to inspect the engines for damage.
	No damage was found and the aircraft was returned to service.
	

Additional Info: 
	A post flight debrief revealed that there were numerous non-standard
	distractions during the launch sequence, which constituted a general
	breakdown of standard AMRM practice. An extensive review of
	contributing circumstances was conducted and is being shared program
	wide. Methods to implement additional controls are in process. 

Source: Thomas Judge, Exec. Director;  Dennis Small, Site Manager