Medical helicopter crashes in Kentucky, killing 3 crew members

USPA News - A medical helicopter crashed in the parking lot of an elementary school in southeastern Kentucky on late Thursday evening, killing all three crew members on board, officials said on Friday. The cause was not immediately known.

The accident happened at around 11:15 p.m. local time on Thursday when the helicopter went down in the parking lot at Paces Creek Elementary School in Manchester, about 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of Lexington. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and two medical personnel, but no patient. Air Evac Lifeteam, which is based in Missouri but operates from more than 110 air medical bases across 15 states, confirmed three of its Manchester-based crew were killed in the accident. "We are devastated at the loss of these crew members who we consider family," a company statement said. The Laurel County Sheriff`s Department identified the pilot as Eddy Sizemore, who had recently left the office after serving as its chief deputy for more than two years. "He had left to pursue another one of his passions - that of flying helicopters - after a job offer with a medical helicopter based in Manchester," Sheriff John Root said. Root, who said the helicopter was en-route back to its base in Clay County, extended his condolences to the family of Sizemore. "There is a special place in God`s kingdom for Eddy. Rest well, Brother," he said. "You will be greatly missed by the staff of the Laurel County Sheriff`s Office." It was not immediately known what caused Thursday`s accident, which will be investigated by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). "We have no details regarding the cause of the accident but will be working with the NTSB in coming days as they conduct their investigation," Air Evac Lifeteam said in its statement.