The aircraft, which had dual engines and seating for seven, had arrived at UMMC around 10:50 a.m. after dropping off a patient, refueled, and was en route back to base at the time of the crash.
UMMC’s AirCare flight program operates four helicopters stationed in Jackson, Meridian, Columbus, and Greenwood.
Established in 1996, AirCare has since transported more than 18,000 patients and flown over two million miles without any prior FAA-reportable accidents.
“We have one of the busiest medical transport helicopter services in the country,” Woodward stated. “There’s a big demand for these services.”
Despite the program’s previously unblemished safety record, the Medical Center is now focusing on supporting the victims’ families and colleagues while cooperating fully with federal investigators.
On Monday night, Global Medical Response (GMR), the parent company of Med-Trans, released an official statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the loss of three AirCare crew members in an accident, including our Med-Trans pilot and two care team members from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The aircraft lost contact with our Communication Center at 12:35 p.m. while returning to base in Columbus, MS, after completing a patient transport in Jackson, MS.”
“Our top priority is supporting the families, our team members, and our partners during this difficult time. Critical Incident Stress Management teams have been deployed to provide support, and additional resources are available.”
“Med-Trans is working closely with the FAA and NTSB as they conduct a thorough investigation into this tragedy. Out of respect for this process, we will not be providing further comment while the investigation is underway.”
At this time, the name of the pilot has not been released to protect the privacy of the crew member’s family.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash.