Staff for Life Helicopter Service - Non-injury incident

Date: August 27, 2006 0340 CS

Program: Staff for Life Helicopter Service
	One Hospital Drive
	Columbia, MO  65212

Type: BK117-B1
Tail #: N10UM
Operator/Vendor: Air Methods Corporation

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, flight nurse, and flight paramedic. No injuries reported. Patient on board. 

Description: 
	At 0317 hours Staff for Life I responded to a scene approximately four
	miles east of Ashland, MO.  The landing zone was located in a valley,
	north of the highway.  Wires were reported on the south and east
	sides of the LZ. On approach, the pilot was able to visualize wires
	on the south side of the roadway. Upon departing the scene, at an
	altitude of approximately 60 feet and north of the roadway, the PIC
	felt an impact and noted sparks, immediately suspecting a wire
	strike.  The aircraft was landed at the scene without further
	incident.  Minimal damage was sustained to the aircraft.

Source: Patsy Lewellen, Program Director