To all Departments and Medical units with AIR Services: This is an example of how air accidents can be avoided. Air and Ground Crews must be vigilant in takeoff and landing procedures to insure debris do not cause damage to rotors. Ground spotters are essential to safe flying and operations.

Date: 04/10/2008 mnt

Program: St. Mary's CareFlight
Grand Junction, Colorado

Type: Bell 412EP
Tail #: N412SM
Operator/Vendor: PHI

Weather: Clear. Not a factor

Team: Pilot, Nurse, Paramedic. No injuries reported. No patient.

Description:
On initial start up for an interfacility transport a security guard
witnessed a towel blow up through the rotor system. The security guard
picked up the towel but failed to notify the crew of the incident. The
crew was allowed to take off and fly away. Upon return the pilot was
notified by the security supervisor of what had happen. The helicopter
was taken out of service at that time and a thorough inspection was
performed by the mechanic. No damage was discovered and the helicopter
was returned to sevice.

Additional Info:
Security was informed of the seriousness of the incident. And it was
explained that the guard on duty must inform the crew immediately of
such an occurence. Additional training will be given to security
personnel.

Source: Mike Johnson Lead Flight Paramedic

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The CONCERN network shares verified information to alert medical transport
programs when an accident / incident has occurred. Please share the above
information with your program staff. If you have further questions, please
contact the CONCERN Coordinator, David Kearns at 800 525 3712 or email:
coordinator@concern-network.org.

Copyright 2007 ASTNA