NTSB on scene of medical helicopter crash
MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The National Transportation Safety Board said today it has an investigator on the scene of a fatal medical helicopter crash in the town of Onalaska.
The work now begins to determine what caused the crash of a UW Hospital Med Flight late Saturday that killed all three on board.
They include surgeon Darren Bean, nurse Mark Coyne and pilot Steve Lipperer. They had just dropped off a patient at a hospital in La Crosse shortly before crashing.
The wreckage was found yesterday. UW Hospital executive Margaret Van Bree says it appears to have struck a hill or some trees.
Lipperer's father, Raymond Lipperer, of Johnson Creek, said his son had always wanted to fly. He was a contract employee for the hospital system since 2000.
Bean had been a Med Flight physician for the hospital system in 2002.
Coyne was a 22-year veteran of the Med Flight system and had worked for the hospital since 1981.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
May 12, 2008 at 8:37 a.m.
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I would concider these people to be Heroes for the selfless job that they do. The world is a lesser place without them.
May 12, 2008 at 8:33 a.m.
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Our hopes & prayers go out to the families of these people.
Remember to kiss or hug your loved one, before they go out to work each day.
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