OWENTON, Ky. — The Federal Aviation Administration released an initial report about Monday's fatal helicopter crash in Owenton. The report says the Air Evac Lifeteam medical helicopter hit a guy-wire and crashed, causing a fire. A guy-wire is  a cable, wire, or rope that is used to brace something.

What You Need To Know

  • Three people died in a helicopter crash in Owenton, Kentucky, around 6 p.m. eastern Oct. 7 

  • They were crew members from Air Evac Lifeteam Base 133 in Grant County and were on their way to pick up a patient 

  • The Owenton, Owen County and Owen County Rescue Departments said the crash happened near the Amigos restaurant

  • The departments said the incident has prompted a "federal investigation" 

Air Evac Lifeteam confirmed three people died in the crash Monday night in in Owenton, Kentucky.

AEL said the crew was based out of Grant County, Kentucky, and were on their way to pick up a patient. The crew members were from AEL Base 133 according to the company.

The Grant County Contable's office identified the three crew members as Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken and Jame Welsh.

“This was a terribly tragic accident, and our deepest sympathies go out to the employees’ families and friends,” a spokesperson for AEL said in a statement. 

The company is not releasing the names of those killed yet. It asked for privacy for the families and those involved. 

AEL's statement added, "Our primary focus now is on supporting the families who were impacted as well as our team members. Critical incident stress management teams have been sent to assist our team members during this difficult time." 

The Owenton, Owen County Fire and Owen County Rescue Departments said the crash happened near the Amigo Mexican restaurant on 1640 Highway 22 East.

The department said the incident has prompted a “federal investigation” and is working to secure the site while firefighters have been deployed to prevent unauthorized access. 

The FAA added it will investigate the incident, along with the National Transportation Safety Board, which will be in charge of the investigation and provide all updates.

According to the Lifeteam website, the Bell 206 features:

  • Single Engine Turbine (Allison/Rolls Royce 250-C30)
  • Length: 42' 6"
  • Height: 11' 8"
  • Main Rotor Diameter: 37'
  • Max. Gross Weight: 4450 lbs.
  • Range: 390 miles
  • Cruise Speed: 136 mph
  • Max Speed: 144 mph
  • Ceiling: 20,000 feet

Owen Electric Cooperative, Inc. said a power outage affected a portion of the county from 6:30 p.m. until around 6:50 p.m. However, the department continues to urge residents to stay away from the area.  

Owenton is a little more than an hour from Louisville on Interstate 71.

According to the company website, Air Evac Lifeteam is the leading air medical service in the United States, conducting its operations through more than 150 mutually supporting air medical bases across 18 states. It began in 1985 in Missouri and is now part of Global Medical Response. GMR provides medical transports via air and ground and services to 2.7 million members who pay an annual fee and to be transported free-of-charge for life- or limb-threatening medical emergencies when needed.

 

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