An Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter crashed on the night of January 20, 2024, near Hydro, Oklahoma, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members on board.
The victims were identified by Air Evac Lifeteam as pilot Russell Haslam, flight nurse Adam Tebben, and flight paramedic Steven Fitzgerald.
The Bell 206L3 helicopter was returning to its base in Weatherford, Oklahoma, located approximately 70 miles west of Oklahoma City, after a patient transport mission to Mercy Hospital in the state capital when the tragedy occurred.
The incident was initially reported when the Operations Control Center of Air Evac Lifeteam lost contact with the helicopter around 11:25 p.m.
A search operation began immediately, involving law enforcement and other Air Evac Lifeteam personnel. This led to the discovery of the crash site, where the three crew members were found and confirmed deceased.
Based in O’Fallon, Missouri, Air Evac Lifeteam is a leading provider of emergency medical services (EMS) and air ambulance services, operating helicopters from over 140 bases across 15 states, predominantly in the central and southern regions of the U.S. Each team includes a pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight paramedic.
Air Evac Lifeteam released a statement via social media expressing deep regret over the loss of its team members and underscored its commitment to providing support to the families and fellow staff members during this challenging period.
The company has also deployed Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) teams to help their staff cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the crash of the helicopter, identified with the call sign N295AE.
The NTSB’s investigation will aim to determine the circumstances and contributing factors to this unfortunate event. A preliminary report of the accident will not be available for at least one month, and the total investigation period could range from 12 to 48 months.
