Preliminary Report: PHI LongRanger caught in IMC

Bell 206L LongRanger, Chesterfield, Ind., Feb. 2, 2006–The EMS LongRanger, operated by Petroleum Helicopters (PHI) of Lafayette, La., was destroyed when it hit trees, wires and houses while maneuvering in IMC near Chesterfield. It was en route to pick up a patient at a Kokomo, Ind. hospital. The pilot, flight nurse and paramedic were seriously injured.

Soon after departure from Anderson (Ind.) Municipal Airport, the pilot reported to the company dispatch that he was aborting the flight because of poor weather conditions. Weather was reported as wind calm, overcast 400 feet agl and 2.5 sm visibility.