SEARCH HELICOPTER CRASHES AFTER FINDING MISSING MAN, KILLS ALL PASSENGERS

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlates...186916,00.html

TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (AP) - A helicopter conducting an aerial search for a
missing hunter crashed in thick woods early Sunday, killing all three
people on board moments after they had found the man.

The cause of the crash was under investigation, said Jeff Davis, a
manager of Air Evac EMS of West Plains, Mo., the company that owns the
aircraft.

The helicopter crew had spotted the hunter, and the crash occurred as
the aircraft was hovering over him, said Federal Aviation Administration
spokesman Warren Woodberry.

The hunter was eventually rescued. Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May
said the hunter had disappeared after dark Saturday in the Freedom Hills
Wildlife Management Area, a 31,572-acre state hunting preserve.

The hunter was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries that were
not life threatening, the sheriff said.

Emergency officials identified the victims as pilot Michael Baker and
crew members Allan Bragwell and Tiffany Miles.

The victims were ``our family members, and we are devastated at this
loss,'' Air Evac President and CEO Colin Collins said in a statement
Sunday.

Air Evac has helicopters based in 12 states. In addition to providing
air ambulance services, it often helps local law enforcement agencies
with search-and-rescue missions free of charge, said company spokeswoman
Julie Heavrin.

--
Rob Cypher
robcypher.livejournal.com
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE - YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED