LifeGuard, Alaska - Fatal accident

Date: 12/03/2007 1718 AST

Program: LifeGuard, Alaska
	PO Box 196604
	Anchorage, AK  99519-6604

Type: BK117C-1
Tail #: 141LG
Operator/Vendor: Evergreen Helicopters of Alaska

Weather: Clear on outbound leg. Rapidly moving storm front on return leg.

Injuries: 
	Lance Brabham, Pilot - fatal
	Cameron Carter, Paramedic - fatal
	John Stumpff, Flight Nurse - fatal
	Gaye McDowell, Patient - fatal
	

Description: 
	Aircraft was in route from Cordova to Anchorage with a patient on
	board. A position report was made at 1718 local time indicating the
	aircraft was over Esther Island, in the Northwest corner of Prince
	William Sound, with 27 minutes remaining in route. No indication of
	trouble was given. The aircraft missed it's next two 10-minute
	position reports and failed to arrive in Anchorage. 
	
	Over the next week assets from the Alaska Air National Guard, The US
	Coast Guard, the Alaska State Troopers, the Civil Air Patrol, and
	civilian volunteers fought stormy weather and low ceilings patrolling
	Prince William Sound. 
	
	On Saturday, December 8, the body of John Stumpff was recovered on a
	beach in Passage Canal, along with the port side rear door. The search
	was narrowed, and some medical equipment was recovered the next day. 
	
	On Monday, December 10, search efforts were suspended. The aircraft
	fuselage along with the remaining bodies is presumed to have sunk in
	1300 feet of water. 

Source: Tom Bailey, RN, CMTE, Program Director

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Copyright 2007 ASTNA