UPDATE: Med Flight Crash

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UPDATED Tuesday, January 20, 2009 --- 9:25 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The pilot in a fatal helicopter crash near La Crosse couldn't use instruments to navigate through the fog because his company hadn't certified him to do so.

University of Wisconsin Hospital Med Flight pilot Steve Lipperer was using visual flight rules when the helicopter crashed into hilly terrain in May, killing Lipperer, a doctor and a nurse.

Wisconsin Aviation president Jeff Baum says the finding is important because many pilots would have used instruments during the foggy conditions that night. He says that would have been a safer method of flight.

Denver-based Air Methods leased the helicopter to UW for the program. Its spokesman Craig Yale says the conditions that night allowed for visual navigation.

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UPDATED Thursday, January 15, 2009 --- 5:20 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Fog may have contributed to the fatal crash of a University of Wisconsin Med Flight helicopter last year.

Documents released today say two medical helicopter crews in the area told federal safety investigators they declined to fly on the evening of May 10 because of poor weather.

One pilot says he noticed fog forming on bluffs near the Mississippi River during an earlier flight.

The UW Med Flight helicopter crashed into hilly terrain after leaving the La Crosse airport. The crash killed pilot Steve Lipperer, nurse Mark Coyne and doctor Darren Bean.

Air Methods operated the UW Med Flight craft. Its spokesman says the weather was "legal and safe" at the time of the flight.

Federal investigators have not identified a probable cause of the crash.

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UPDATED Thursday, January 15, 2009 --- 3:50 p.m.

*UW Health Statement on NTSB Report on Med Flight Crash*

MADISON-The National Transportation Safety Board ( NTSB) this morning released a series of documents related to the May crash of one of UW Health’s Med Flight helicopters. Although the NTSB review process is far from complete, UW Health and Med Flight leadership are reviewing all of the reports in detail. We concur with the many comments from physicians, nurses and pilots that Med Flight has been a leader in both the level of medical care provided and the precise attention to maintenance and training.

This series of documents does not, however, identify a probable cause of the crash. We hope that the final report to be released in the coming months will shed more light on that issue.

The Med Flight crash was a deeply traumatic event for the entire UW Health family, most particularly those who were part of the Med Flight operation. As is common after such tragedies, the stress of the event led some personnel to leave the program and move into different roles within UW Health. All pilots, dispatchers, most nurse and flight physicians have stayed with the program, But 6 physicians have opted not to fly – some citing family considerations.

As expected, the number of flights in calendar year 2008 was fewer than in the previous year by approximately 300. However, despite the setback that resulted in Med Flight not operating for approximately two weeks after the crash, the program still reported 1078 flights for calendar year 2008. Med Flight has flown a total of 745 flights from the time of service resumption to today. If present trends continue, the Med Flight air service will be very close to the number of flights logged in the year immediately before the May crash.

UW Health is well aware that this tragic accident continues to be of interest both to our own employees and to the public. Please be assured that every effort will be made to keep you informed of results from the NTSB investigation as it progresses.

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UPDATED Thursday, January 15, 2009 --- 10:20 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A new report says the National Transportation Safety Board has not found a cause for a University of Wisconsin medical helicopter crash near La Crosse last year.

The helicopter crashed May 10 in a hilly, wooded area shortly after taking off from the La Crosse airport. The crew was returning to Madison after dropping an 86-year-old patient off at a hospital in La Crosse.

All three members of the crew were killed, and the patient died hours later.

The National Transportation Safety Board says it has not found a probable cause of the crash. The board released hundreds of documents related to its investigation on Thursday.

Note: Madison.com is reporting the fuel access panel may not have been properly locked. The NTSB records did not indicate if the fuel access panel was significant in the crash. Click HERE to read online article

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UPDATED Thursday, January 15, 2009 --- 9:15 a.m.

The Report from the NTSB:

The following is an INTERIM FACTUAL SUMMARY of this accident investigation. A final report that includes all pertinent facts, conditions, and circumstances of the accident will be issued upon completion, along with the Safety Board's analysis and probable cause of the accident.

HISTORY OF FLIGHT

On May 10, 2008, about 2245 central daylight time, a Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH EC 135 T2+ air medical configured helicopter, N135UW, operated by Air Methods Corporation, was destroyed during an in-flight collision with trees and terrain near La Crosse, Wisconsin. The flight was conducted in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot, physician and flight nurse sustained fatal injuries. The flight departed La Crosse Municipal Airport (LSE), La Crosse, Wisconsin, at 2234. The intended destination was the University of Wisconsin Hospital heliport (WS27) in Madison, Wisconsin.

The helicopter was equipped with global positioning system (GPS) tracking equipment that provided departure, arrival and en route position information to the operator’s Operations Control Center. Flight progress was automatically updated approximately every three minutes. According the GPS flight-following data, the flight initially departed WS27 about 2038 en route to Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. The flight arrived there about 2113 and picked up a patient. The flight subsequently departed about 2131 and proceeded to Gunderson-Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, arriving about 2154. After dropping off the patient, the crew departed about 2209 and repositioned the helicopter to LSE for refueling. The flight departed LSE at 2234 with the intention of returning to WS27. No further position updates were received from the accident helicopter.

The line service technician who fueled the aircraft noted that when it departed it lifted off vertically and proceeded east-southeast. He added that there was a low ceiling, fair visibility and moderate rain at the time.

A witness located approximately 4.2 miles east-southeast of LSE reported hearing a helicopter fly over about 2230. He was in a restaurant parking lot getting into his car at the time. He noted that it sounded like Medlink helicopter. He reported that it was "traveling at a high rate of speed, and was flying low." He recalled thinking that it wasn’t going to clear the bluffs.

A resident contacted the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office about 2240 and stated that he heard a helicopter flying overhead, when the sound of the engine disappeared followed by a loud crashing sound. Local authorities initiated a search at that time.

At 2304, the helicopter operator notified local authorities that the helicopter was missing. The helicopter wreckage was subsequently located about 0826 the next morning. Fire department personnel reported fog and mist along the ridgeline during the night.

PERSONNEL INFORMATION

The pilot held a Commercial Pilot certificate with single and multi-engine land airplane, helicopter, instrument airplane, and instrument helicopter ratings. He was issued a Second-Class Airman Medical certificate on July 14, 2007, with a limitation for corrective lenses. The pilot also held a Mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings.

The pilot's logbook was not available for review by the NTSB. A flight experience summary completed by the accident pilot on January 21, 2008, indicated a total flight time of 3,950 hours, with 2,698 hours of that total in helicopters. He indicated night flight time of 545 hours and instrument flight time of 216 hours. He had accumulated 70 hours of flight time in EC135 helicopters at that time. Duty time records indicated that in the 30-day period prior to the accident, the pilot had flown 17.0 hours. Of that total, 5.8 hours were at night.

The accident pilot was hired by CJ Systems on March 1, 2001. CJ Systems operated the University of Wisconsin Med Flight program at that time. During his tenure as a mechanic, he reportedly also acted as a pilot on maintenance test flights. He transferred to a full-time pilot position on December 1, 2005. Air Methods Corporation purchased CJ Systems in March 2008, and the Madison-based pilots were transferred to Air Methods.

At the time of the transition to Air Methods, the pilots were provided a complete training program under the Air Methods operating certificate. Records indicated that the accident pilot completed basic indoctrination for Air Methods and EC-135 helicopter specific ground training in January 2008. He completed further training related to aeronautical knowledge and EC135P2 helicopter specific knowledge between February 2008 and April 2008. On March 10th and 11th, 2008, the accident pilot completed 3.5 hours flight training in an EC135T2+ helicopter. According to company records, he subsequently passed Part 135 Competency and Line Checks on March 11, 2008. An instrument proficiency check was not completed at that time.

According to company personnel, due to the high training demand resulting from the transition to the Air Methods certificate, all pilots were initially qualified as VFR-only. IFR proficiency checks were planned as recurrent training. As a result the accident pilot was limited to VFR-only operations at the time of the accident. According to a training pilot, the accident pilot was proficient and current for IFR operations under the previous CJ Systems operating certificate.

There were two flights on record to the La Crosse area for the accident pilot between January 1, 2007, and the day of the accident. On March 7, 2008, the pilot had transported a patient from Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital to Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse. The second was the flight prior to the accident flight.

AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

The accident aircraft was a 2007 Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH EC135T2+ helicopter, serial number 0535. The helicopter was powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 turboshaft engines. The helicopter was certificated under FAA type certificate H88EU, and issued a standard airworthiness certificate on March 14, 2007. The aircraft had accumulated 456.7 hours total flight time as of the day of the accident. Both engines had accumulated the same amount of time. In the 30-day period prior to the accident, the helicopter accumulated 39.8 hours.

The aircraft was maintained under an FAA Approved Aircraft Inspection Program (AAIP). A routine airworthiness check was completed on the day of the accident with no discrepancies noted. According to the operator’s records, the most recent inspection procedure was a 400-Hour inspection completed on March 17, 2008, at 386.1 hours airframe total time.

A 12-Month inspection and a 100-Hour Supplementary inspection were completed on February 26, 2008, at 375.7 hours total airframe time. Altimeter and pitot static system inspections were also completed at that time. During those inspections, a crack was observed in the upper and lower skins of one of the main rotor blades. The blade was subsequently replaced.

The maintenance records noted that on April 16, 2008, the helicopter fell off a tug damaging the landing light and the electrical cannon plug. The damage was subsequently repaired and the aircraft returned to service. With the exception of an inoperative landing light, there were no further discrepancies recorded in the aircraft maintenance records within the 90-day period prior to the accident.

At the time of the accident, the helicopter was equipped with a radar altimeter. It was not equipped, nor was it required to be equipped, with a terrain awareness warning system (TAWS).

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

The National Weather Service (NWS) Surface Analysis Chart valid at 2200 depicted a low pressure system to the south of the accident site over northern Missouri, with an occluded front extending southward from that low. Several low-pressure troughs extended north and northeastward across Iowa and into northwestern Illinois. A second low-pressure system was located over south-central Minnesota, with a stationary front extending north-northeast through Minnesota and northern Wisconsin.

The NWS Weather Depiction Chart for 2300 depicted an area of instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions over southern Minnesota and portions of Iowa. Surrounding the area of IFR conditions was an area of marginal visual flight rules (MVFR) conditions that included most of Minnesota, Iowa and western Wisconsin and Illinois. Visual flight rules (VFR) conditions extended over central and eastern Wisconsin and Illinois. The intended route of flight, the accident site, and the destination were in the area of MVFR conditions.

IFR conditions are defined as ceilings (broken or overcast cloud layers) below 1,000 feet above ground level (agl) and/or visibilities less than 3 statute miles. MVFR conditions are defined as ceilings between 1,000 feet agl and 3,000 feet agl, and/or visibilities between 3 and 5 miles inclusive. VFR conditions are defined as ceilings above 3,000 feet agl and visibilities greater then 5 miles.

The closest weather reporting facility to the accident site was at LaCrosse Municipal Airport (LSE). LSE was located approximately 5 miles northwest of the accident site. At 2153, the LSE Automated Surface Observations System (ASOS) recorded weather conditions as: Calm winds; 4 miles visibility in light rain and mist; scattered clouds at 1,300 feet agl; overcast clouds at 3,500 feet agl; temperature 10 degrees Celsius; dew point 8 degrees Celsius; and altimeter 29.72 inches of mercury.

At 2253, the LSE ASOS recorded conditions as: Calm winds; 8 miles visibility in light rain; few clouds at 1,400 feet agl; overcast clouds at 5,000 feet agl; temperature 10 degrees Celsius; dew point 8 degrees Celsius; and altimeter 29.70 inches of mercury.

The Area Forecast for southwest Wisconsin issued at 2045 and valid until 0900 the following morning, was for overcast clouds at 6,000 feet agl, with cloud tops to 15,000 feet mean sea level (msl). From 2400, conditions were forecast to be 2,000 feet agl, and visibilities of 3 to 5 miles in light rain and mist. After 0900, the extended outlook consisted of MVFR conditions due to low ceilings and visibilities restricted by rain, with winds over 25 knots.

No Significant Meteorological Information advisories (SIGMETs), Convective SIGMETs, or Severe Weather Forecast Alerts were current over Wisconsin at the time of the accident. However, Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) Sierra was issued at 2145 and was valid until 0400 the following morning. It warned of possible IFR conditions along the route of flight.

The LSE Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) issued at 1830 called for: Winds from 130 degrees at 7 knots; visibility greater then 6 miles in light rain; scattered clouds at 3,500 feet agl; and an overcast ceiling at 5,000 feet agl. At 2400, conditions were expected to be: Winds from 020 at 6 knots; visibility 5 miles in light rain and mist; and an overcast cloud ceiling at 2,500 feet agl.

The pilot obtained a preflight weather briefing beginning at 2117 for the route from Prairie du Chein to LaCrosse and back to Madison. The briefer provided a synopsis of current and forecast conditions. He indicated that deteriorating weather conditions were expected after 2200 with IFR conditions possible. The briefer informed the pilot of AIRMET Sierra update 7, issued at 1545 and valid until 2200, warning of IFR conditions southwest of a line from Minneapolis to Bradford, Illinois (BDF). The accident site was located approximately 35 miles northeast of this boundary.

An EMS pilot operating in the area that evening reported that he departed La Crosse at 2024 en route to Arcadia, Wisconsin. He stated that fog was beginning to form on the east side of the Mississippi River. Fog was also beginning to form on the bluffs to the east of his route of flight. He subsequently returned to La Crosse about 2115. He declined at least one additional flight request that evening due to deteriorating weather conditions.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

La Crosse Municipal Airport (KLSE) was located on French Island on the Mississippi River near La Crosse, Wisconsin. The airport elevation was 656 feet. Bluffs rose to approximately 1,200 feet mean sea level on both the east and west sides of the river.

WRECKAGE AND IMPACT INFORMATION

The accident helicopter impacted trees along a wooded ridgeline in a sparsely populated area approximately 4.5 miles southeast of LSE. Tree strikes and main rotor blade fragments were observed at the top of the ridgeline. The right landing skid separated from the airframe at the top of the ridge. The elevation of the ridge in the vicinity of the tree strikes was approximately 1,164 feet. The trees were estimated to be 50 to 60 feet in height, and the tree strikes were approximately 50 to 55 feet above the level of the ridge.

The main wreckage came to rest on a descending hillside, east of the ridgeline. This was on the opposite side of the ridgeline from the departure airport. The helicopter came to rest about 600 feet from the initial tree strikes at the top of the ridgeline, at an elevation of approximately 928 feet. The tail boom and Fenestron (tail rotor) separated from the fuselage. It came to rest about 20 feet from the main wreckage.

The main wreckage consisted of the fuselage (cockpit and cabin areas), the engines, main rotor transmission, rotor mast and rotor blades. The cockpit and cabin areas were completely compromised. The engines exhibited damage consistent with impact forces. The main rotor blades remained attached to the rotor mast; however, the blades were fragmented. The swash plate and pitch change links appeared intact. The transmission exhibited continuity through the assembly when rotated. The flight control servos remained secured to the airframe. The flight control rods between the servos and the cockpit controls were fragmented. The tail boom and Fenestron were fragmented. No anomalies consistent with a pre impact failure were observed.

A teardown inspection of the engines was conducted at the manufacturer's facility under direct supervision of the NTSB. Both engines exhibited damage consistent with impact forces. The compressor and turbine sections of both engines exhibited scoring and scrape markings consistent with rotation at impact. The left engine turbine blades had all sheared at the blade roots. However, examination of the fracture surfaces revealed features consistent with overstress failure. No evidence of pre-existing cracking was observed on any of the blade fractures. No anomalies consistent with pre impact failures were observed during the inspections.

The DC power/engine control panel remained with the instrument panel. However, the instrument panel was dislodged from its normal installed position in the cockpit. The left (ENG 1) main selector switch was in the IDLE position when observed at the accident site. The switch guard was engaged. The right (ENG 2) main switch was in the FLIGHT position when observed at the accident site. Both FADEC control switches were in the ON position. The main engine selector switch detents functioned properly when examined after the accident. The Engine Mode Selector switches on the overhead panel were in the NORM position and the switch guards were engaged.

MEDICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL INFORMATION

An autopsy of the pilot was performed at the Regina Medical Center in Hastings, Minnesota, on May 12, 2008. The report noted multiple traumatic injuries due to a helicopter crash.

A Forensic Toxicology Fatal Accident Report was prepared by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute. The results were negative for all substances tested.

TESTS AND RESEARCH

The Digital Engine Control Units (DECUs) were examined by the component manufacturer under supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration. Retained (non-volatile) memory was recovered successfully from each unit. The left and right engine DECU total operating times were 516.3 hours and 389.9 hours, respectively. Both units had been powered-up (battery power on) for 408 seconds (6.8 minutes) at the time the most recent anomalies were recorded. No anomalies had been recorded during the previous 80 hours of DECU operation.

The most recent anomalies consisted of an overspeed event recorded by the right engine DECU, and a maintenance event recorded by the left engine DECU. Both blocks were recorded at 408 seconds (6.8 minutes). At the time of the overspeed event, the right engine turbine speed (N2) was 117.69 percent. At the time of the maintenance event, the left engine turbine speed (N2) was 117.81 percent. Both DECUs were in Flight Mode at the time the events were recorded. No faults were recorded subsequent to the overspeed and maintenance events. This was consistent with both DECUs ceasing to function at that point.

In normal operation, detection of an overspeed condition automatically results in the engine being shut down by the DECU. In order to prevent both engines from being shut down automatically, a cross-inhibit function subsequently deactivates the overspeed protection for the remaining engine. An Overspeed Block is recorded by the DECU associated with the engine experiencing the overspeed condition. The DECU associated with the remaining engine records a Maintenance Block at the point overspeed protection is deactivated.

The Vehicle Engine Multifunction Display (VEMD) and the Caution Advisory Display (CAD) installed in the accident helicopter were downloaded. The flight duration recorded by the VEMD was 2 minutes 53 seconds. However, flight duration data was only updated every 80 seconds implying an actual flight time of at least 2 minutes 53 seconds, and not longer than 4 minutes 13 seconds. (The VEMD recorded flight time based on collective position, as opposed to operation or power-up time, as in the case of the DECUs.)

The VEMD recorded 8 fault messages between 3 minutes 20.0 seconds and 3 minutes 24.5 seconds flight duration. The initial faults were associated with a loss of reliable torque, static pressure, and outside air temperature data. At that time, the recorded left and right engine compressor and turbine speeds were about 88 percent and 90 percent, respectively. At 3 minutes 24.0 seconds, the VEMD interpreted an engine control unit (DECU) failure. At 3 minutes 24.5 seconds, the VEMD declared an engine control unit (DECU) link failure.

The CAD recorded a single fault message at 3 minutes 24 seconds. The message was related to a deviation in the fuel tank sensor power supply.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The operator's General Operations Manual (GOM) provided minimum weather and altitude requirements for flight operations. VFR flight was to be conducted no less than 300 feet agl for day operations, and 500 feet agl for night operations. Weather minimums required by the GOM consisted of an 800-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility for day operations, and a 1,000-foot ceiling and 5 miles visibility for night operations.

OTHER INFORMATION

The weather conditions near the accident site about the time of the accident were recorded to be: Calm winds; 8 miles visibility in light rain; few clouds at 1,400 feet above ground level (agl); overcast clouds at 5,000 feet agl; temperature 10 degrees Celsius; dew point 8 degrees Celsius; and altimeter 29.70 inches of mercury. Dark night conditions prevailed. The helicopter was not equipped with a terrain awareness warning system (TAWS). The pilot was not utilizing a night vision imaging system (NVIS) during the flight. A radar altimeter was installed on the helicopter, and it was normally set to 500 feet for night flight. The accident flight was being tracked by a flight following program, and did receive flight dispatch services prior to the initiation of the flight. Additionally, a formal flight risk assessment was performed prior to the flight.

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UPDATED Tuesday, January 13, 2009 --- 3:20 p.m.

As part of its continuing investigations into nine helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) accidents the National Transportation Safety Board will open public dockets on Thursday, January 15, 2009, at 10:00 am.

This includes:
* On May 10, 2008, a Eurocopter EC 135 T2+ EMS helicopter, N135UW, operated by Air Methods Corporation, was destroyed during an in-flight collision with trees and terrain near La Crosse, Wisconsin. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot, physician and flight nurse sustained fatal injuries.

In other developments:

(from the NTSB website):
The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a 4-day public hearing on the safety of helicopter emergency medical services (EMS) operations beginning on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. The hearing will be open to the public and will take place in the Board Room and Conference Center at 429 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., Washington, D.C. This hearing will also be telecast on the Board’s website (www.ntsb.gov). In addition, the Board is requesting submissions from the EMS community of materials related to aviation safety to be part of a public docket used in support of the hearing.

The goal of the upcoming hearing is for the Safety Board to learn more about helicopter EMS operations so that it can better evaluate the factors that lead to accidents. The Board will invite expert witnesses to provide sworn testimony. The majority of these witnesses will participate as part of small panels addressing particular safety issues. Additionally, several organizations will be granted “party status” to the hearing so that they may question the witnesses directly. The witnesses and parties will represent a range of EMS-related communities, including pilots, medical personnel, managers, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials who provide oversight.

Helicopter EMS operations provide an important service to the public by transporting seriously ill patients or donor organs to emergency care facilities. The pressure to conduct these operations safely and quickly in all conditions, including during inclement weather, at night, and on unfamiliar landing sites, has the potential to increase EMS operational risk compared to normal passenger-carrying aviation operations.

Helicopter EMS safety has been an ongoing concern of the Safety Board. In January 2006, the Board issued a special investigation report on EMS operations. Many of the 55 EMS-related aviation accidents (fatal and non-fatal) that occurred between January 2002 and January 2005 could have been prevented with simple corrective actions, including oversight, flight risk evaluations, improved dispatch procedures, and the incorporation of available technologies. As a result, the Board issued four safety recommendations to the FAA, which have not yet been fully implemented. The complete report and recommendations can be found online at www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2006/SIR0601.pdf.

Over the past 12 months, the Safety Board has investigated an additional nine fatal EMS accidents, which killed 35 people. This drastic increase in fatalities prompted the Board to hold this public hearing. "We have seen an alarming rise in the numbers of EMS accidents, and the Safety Board believes some of these accidents could have been prevented if our recommendations had been implemented," said Member Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the hearing’s Board of Inquiry. "This hearing will be extremely important because it can provide an opportunity to learn more about the industry so that possibly we can make further recommendations that can prevent these accidents and save lives."

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Friday, May 30, 2008 --- 1:45 p.m.

MADISON, Wis — Beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, UW Hospital and Clinics’ Med Flight service will resume 24-hour service operation.

According to a news release from UW Health Public Affairs, Med Flight will staff the helicopter in two shifts: one from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the other from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

For the last week, Med Flight has been performing air medical transport between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

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Thursday, May 22, 2008 --- 12:00 p.m.

MADISON- UW Med Flight will resume patient flights on Friday, May 23 at 9:00 a.m., just under two weeks after a crash that killed flight physician Darren Bean, flight nurse Mark Coyne and pilot Steve Lipperer.

“No one wants to get back in the air more than the dedicated members of our Med Flight crew. They are passionate about what they do,” said Bruce Lindsay, MD, medical director of Med Flight.

The decision to resume the service that has been in existence for 23 years came after three days of “confidence flight” for Med Flight staff.

Lindsay says the service will initially operate 12 hours a day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Those hours are peak hours for Med Flight calls. And we felt it was extremely important to resume patient flights for the busy Memorial Day weekend,” said Lindsay.

Calls that come in from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. will be handled as they would if Med Flight was already out on a flight. A network of hospitals around the state routinely backs up Med Flight when the helicopter is on another patient transport. Lindsay says in addition to the pilot, a flight physician and nurse will staff every flight, the routine protocol for Med Flight.

The service will fly with one helicopter until the second aircraft can be replaced by Air Methods of Denver, the company that contracts with UW Health for Med Flight services.

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Thursday, May 22, 2008 --- 11:30 a.m.

UW Hospital announced Thursday morning it will resume med flight services Friday.

Med flights were grounded more than a week ago after 3 medical staff members died in a crash near La Crosse.

Killed were Dr. Darren Bean, nurse Mark Coyne and pilot Steve Lipperer.

A preliminary report on the crash was released yesterday, but no cause was cited. The NTSB says a final report could take upwards of 6 months to a year.

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008 --- 9:30 a.m.

A preliminary investigation was unable to pinpoint a cause of the fatal Med Flight cash that killed three men near La Crosse May 10. The helicopter was destroyed during an in-flight collision with trees and terrain.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the helicopter was equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) tracking equipment that provided departure, arrival and en route position information to the operator's Operations Control Center. Flight progress was automatically updated every three minutes. According to the GPS flight-following data, the flight stopped for refueling and no further position updates were received after that.

Local authorities received a 911 call from a resident stating they thought they had heard an aircraft crash. Around 11 p.m., the helicopter operator notified local authorities that the aircraft was missing. A search subsequently located the helicopter wreckage about 9 a.m. the next morning.

The accident site was located on a wooded hillside in a sparsely populated area approximately 4 1/2 miles southeast of La Crosse. At the time the helicopter left after refueling, moderate rain and fair visibility was reported.

Killed in the crash were Dr. Darren Bean, 37; nurse Mark Coyne, 53; and pilot Steve Lipperer, 39.

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UPDATE: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 --- 3:45 p.m.

MADISON - Med Flight staff members began confidence flights Tuesday at 1 p.m.

The 10 to 15 minute flights will be available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to staff members who would like to fly before regular patient service resumes. The confidence flights are available to Med Flight pilots, registered nurses,physicians, dispatchers, emergency medicine residents and administration.

This is another step in resuming Med Flight service as soon as possible. There is no final decision on when patient flights will resume.

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UPDATE: Thursday, May 15, 2008 --- 10:45am

Traffic and Parking Restrictions for Memorial Service:

Traffic and parking in the following areas will be affected by tonight’s memorial service for Dr. Darren Bean and pilot Steve Lipperer:

• No Parking on East Wilson Street between King Street and South Hamilton Street from 1:00 PM to approximately 8:30 PM.

• Due to a large number of emergency vehicles and funeral vehicles, expect traffic delays in the area of the Monona Terrace Convention Center between the times of 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Family members have asked that the media not attend. NBC 15 will respect those wishes.

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 14 --- 3:45pm

There have been a number of questions surrounding gifts in memory of the Med Flight crew.

While it was announced initially a fund had been established at the US Foundation for the three victims, that is not the case.

Instead, Dr. Bean's family is asking any memorials go to a scholarship fund for Dr. Bean's two children.

Scholarship Fund:
Goldstein, Petrowski & Assoc
Ameriprise Financial
1110 Fourier Drive
Madison, WI 53717
Make checks payable to:
Tomorrow's Scholar
Memo line: write "Benefit Caitlyn & Parker Bean"

Pilot Steve Lipperer's family is asking all gifts be made in his honor to the Dane County Humane Society.

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UPDATED Wednesday, May 14 --- 7:25 am

A memorial service for the nurse killed in the UW Med Flight crash will be held next week.

The service for Mark Coyne will be held Monday, May 19 at 5 pm at Crossroads Church (3815 S. Dutch Mill Road, Madison).

A memorial service will be held this Thursday to honor Dr. Darren Bean and pilot Steven Lipperer. It will be held on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Monona Terrace.

Family members have asked that the media not attend. NBC 15 will respect those wishes.

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 13 --- 5:25 pm

The Wisconsin State Journal reported Tuesday that a faulty altitude detector was a contributing factor in a fatal crash of the same kind of helicopter owned by the same company as the Med Flight chopper that crashed Saturday night near La Crosse.

The same safety board investigating the UW Hospital Med Flight crash that killed its crew of three, said a faulty radar altimeter contributed to the crash of a Eurocopter EC315 helicopter in Washington, D.C., in January 2005.

That helicopter, like UW's that crashed, was owned by Denver-based Air Methods.

A radar altimeter measures the distance above ground, while a regular altimeter measures the distance above sea level.

Air Methods spokesman Craig Yale said Tuesday that the helicopter it leased to Med Flight that crashed Saturday almost certainly had a working radar altimeter.

Wisconsin State Journal Article

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UPDATED Tuesday, May 13 --- 11:15 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A coroner says the patient transported by a Med Flight helicopter that later crashed died after arriving at a hospital in La Crosse.

Crawford County Coroner Joe Morovitz says the elderly woman died early Sunday after suffering bleeding in her brain.

He says the woman had been transferred from a hospital in Prairie Du Chien to Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse by the UW Hospital Med Flight helicopter.

The helicopter crashed on the way home to Madison after dropping the woman off in La Crosse. A surgeon, nurse and pilot on board were killed.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.

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UPDATE Posted Tuesday, May 13 --- 8:30am

A medical helicopter from the University of Wisconsin-Madison was filling in for one from a La Crosse hospital last weekend when it crashed on its return flight to Madison, killing all three people aboard.

UW-Madison spokesman Don Cady says the UW's leased helicopter was sent to Prairie du Chien about 8:30 p.m. Saturday to transport a patient to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse because that hospital's helicopter was responding to another emergency.

After transporting the patient, the UW's helicopter refueled at the La Crosse airport about 10:30 p.m. and left for Madison but crashed on a bluff moments later. The wreckage was found Sunday.

Gundersen Lutheran's Med Link helicopter had responded Saturday evening to a three-vehicle traffic crash in Arcadia that killed an Arcadia couple and injured three others.

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UPDATE Posted Monday, May 12 --- 5:45pm

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Workers at UW Hospital observed a moment of silence this afternoon to reflect on the loss of three colleagues killed when their medical helicopter crashed.

Hospital spokeswoman Toni Morrissey says workers are considering how to permanently memorialize surgeon Darren Bean, nurse Mark Coyne and pilot Steve Lipperer.

The three died Saturday night when their helicopter crashed on a return flight from La Crosse, where they had taken a patient to a hospital.

Authorities have said the helicopter appeared to strike a hill or trees shortly after taking off from the La Crosse airport. The National Transportation Safety Board was on the scene investigating the cause today.

Morrissey says well wishes are coming in from around the world and the UW Foundation has set up a fund for donations.

______________________________________________________

UPDATE Posted Monday, May 12 --- 11:50am

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A company spokesman says the medical helicopter that crashed in Wisconsin did not have two pieces of safety equipment recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Mike Allen, senior vice president at Denver-based Air Methods, says the helicopter was not equipped with a computerized voice system to warn of approaching terrain or night vision goggles for the pilot.

The University of Wisconsin Hospital Med Flight helicopter crashed after dropping off a patient in La Crosse. Officials say it appeared the craft struck a hill or trees shortly after taking off, killing a surgeon, nurse and pilot.

The NTSB recommended night vision goggles and the warning system in a 2006 report that suggested many fatal EMS flights could be prevented.

______________________________________________________

UPDATE Posted Monday, May 12 --- 9:15am

Share Your Condolences and Personal Memories

To express your condolences or share your memories of the Med Flight crew members killed in the helicopter crash near La Crosse, please click on the above link. It will link you to a special tribute, created by UW Health.

______________________________________________________

UPDATE Posted Monday, May 12 --- 8:10am

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.

______________________________________________________

UPDATE Posted: Sunday, May 11 -- 9:15pm

**MED FLIGHT TIMELINE**

Saturday, 8:30pm: UW Hospital officials say the Med Flight crew left Madison, en route to Prairie du Chien to transport a patient there to a La Crosse hospital.

10:30pm: The crew safely lands in La Crosse, leaves the hospital for La Crosse Airport to refuel.

10:43pm: Med Flight leaves airport for Madison. Shortly thereafter, communication with the medical team was lost.

Approx. 11:00pm: Search efforts get underway in the La Crosse area.

Sunday, 8:40am: Nearly 10 hours later, the wreckage is located.

______________________________________________________

UPDATE Posted Sunday, May 11 --- 8:00pm

Statement from the family of Mark Coyne:
The family of Mark Coyne wish to thank everyone close to his family for their thoughts and prayers. Mark was passionate about nursing and teaching. He died doing what he loved and his inspiration will live on in his family, friends, co-workers and students. Special thanks to the staff of the UW Health/University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics for their professionalism.

______________________________________________________

UPDATE Posted May 11 -- 6:55pm
By Zac Schultz

Town of Medary, La Crosse County: Randy Viner and his wife Deborah were in bed just before 11 Saturday night when Deborah heard a loud crash coming from the woods behind their home. "It sounded like thunder, but I'm thinking why is it thundering because it's not raining that hard out?"

The next morning firefighters found the missing Med Flight helicopter a quarter-mile from their home.

The helicopter took off from the airport about five miles to the west of the Keil Coulee valley. It crashed into the trees as it came over the ridge, slid down the slope, and came to a rest against some trees -about halfway down the valley.

Deborah wasn't the only person in the area that heard the crash. "We received a call from persons who lived in this area who heard a real loud crash, and believed it was some type of an aircraft crash," says Steve Helgeson, La Crosse County Sheriff.

The crash happened just before 11pm, and search crews were ready in a half-hour, but a heavy fog covered the valley. "With the weather we had last night we weren't able to find it until about 8:45 this morning," says Helgeson.

Thirty-three firefighters combed a few square miles in the dark. Onalaska Fire Chief Don Dominick says people in Madison were calling one of the cell phones at the crash site. "It was probably about 4 am there was a signal not too far from a radio tower right here. So were able to fine tune the area."

Dominick says they climbed up the back side of the hill. "So they come up to the top of this hill and noticed some trees were busted off and followed the path and found it. That was about 8:30 this morning."

He says the helicopter clipped trees for a few hundred yards before it hit a large tree, snapped in half and crashed to the ground.

The bodies of the crew were thrown from the cab.

The helicopter took off from the La Crosse airport and had to cross several large bluffs before hitting the trees. Sheriff Helgeson says the FAA will lead the investigation. "It does appear the helicopter did strike trees up near the top of the bluff, but what the cause of the crash is we don't know."

______________________________________________________

Latest Update Posted at 1:25pm
Posted Sunday, May 11 --- 7:00am

NOTE: You can watch the UW-Hospital Press Conference in the video player to the right of this story. The pictures & bios of the victims are posted below.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A University of Wisconsin Hospital spokesman says three people died when a UW Med Flight helicopter crashed after taking off last night from La Crosse.

Aaron Conklin says a surgeon, a nurse and the pilot were killed in the crash, which took place as the helicopter was returning to Madison from the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

Allan Tiedt of the La Crosse County Emergency Dispatch Center says the wreckage was found in the town of Onalaska.

UW Hospital chief operating officer Margaret Van Bree says those killed in the crash were surgeon Darren Bean, nurse Mark Coyne and pilot Steve Lipperer.

She says the helicopter left Madison around 8:30 last night to drop off a patient at the La Crosse hospital and departed the airport there at about 10:30.

Van Bree says there was no further communication with the crew.

She says the helicopter was found about four miles from the airport at about 8:40 this morning.

Van bree says preliminary reports indicate the helicopter may have struck a hill or some trees but the exact cause is not yet known.

______________________________________________________

The Victims:

Darren Bean -
Darren Bean, MD became a Med Flight physician for University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in 2002 after completing residency training at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his MD from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in 1999.

In addition to his Med Flight duties, Bean was the emergency department director of ultrasound, member of the hospital’s multidisciplinary trauma committee and an executive board member of the Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (RTAC).

Bean was an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Mark Coyne -
Mark Coyne, RN was a Med Flight nurse for the past 22 years. Coyne has been at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics since 1981. Coyne also was an emergency medical technician-paramedic and a certified instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Steve Lipperer -
Steve Lipperer became a Med Flight pilot for University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in 2000. He was employed by Air Methods of Denver, the company that leases the aircraft to the hospital.

______________________________________________________

Governor Doyle Statement on the Passing of Med Flight Crew:

MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today issued the following statement on the passing of the Darren Bean, M.D., Mark Coyne, R.N. and pilot Steve Lipperer, the crew of a Med Flight helicopter that delivered a patient to Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse before its last flight:

"In our moments of greatest peril, our lives depend on the courageous work of Med Flight personnel," Governor Jim Doyle said. "Dr. Darren Bean, Mark Coyne and Steve Lipperer dedicated themselves to rescuing people who faced the longest odds, and we owe them tremendous gratitude for their extraordinary service and dedication. I pray for them, their families and all the others who love them."

______________________________________________________

Earlier Reports Posted Prior to Noon:

UPDATE: University of Wisconsin Hospital spokespeople are confirming that 3 people have died when the UW Med Flight helicopter crashed near La Crosse

Med Flight left Madison around 8:30pm Saturday night to transport a patient to a La Crosse hospital. After dropping the patient off, the helicopter left around 10:30pm.

There was no other radio communication from the crew. The last message was a software signal sending confirmation that the aircraft took off.

The crash site was found around 8:45 this morning about 4 to 5 miles away from the area airport on a wooded hillside. Preliminary results show that the helicopter may have struck the hill or trees.

The second Med Flight unit has been taken out of service due to protocol. Other flight programs in the state will be referred to emergency calls, or ground services will be used.

______________________________________________________

UPDATE: University of Wisconsin Hospital spokesman says three people died when a UW Med Flight helicopter crashed after taking off Saturday night from La Crosse.

According to Wisconsin Emergency Management, the helicopter crashed off Smith Valley Road, which is east of La Crosse. This is in the town of Medary. It was discovered at around 8:45am.

UW press conference scheduled for 10:30am. NBC15 News will air it LIVE. The latest information will be posted immediately on NBC15.com.

______________________________________________________

A spokesperson for the UW-Hospital and Clinics tells us that the UW-Med Flight Helicopter is missing.

Spokesperson Don Cady says the helicopter dropped a patient off at a La-Crosse hospital (Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center) at about 10:30 last night.

It has not been heard from since.

The La Crosse County Sheriff's Department confirms deputies are conducting a search for the helicopter.

The UW-Hospital is notifying families about this situation. It is a three-person crew on board the flight.

Stay with NBC15 and NBC15.com for more information on this breaking story.

____________________________________________

More information on Med Flight

Details on the helicopter

From UWHealth.org:
In summer 2007, new technically advanced medical helicopters replaced UW Med Flight's two Italianbuilt Augusta Power 109 aircraft that served countless patients for nearly 10 years.

Specifically designed for air rescue, the new Eurocopter (EC 135) aircraft has come to be known as a workhorse in the emergency air transport industry.

Equipped with the most advanced air medical technology available, the low-noise and powerful twin-engine helicopter is highly maneuverable and features rear loading clam shell doors. The helicopters fly about 130 knots or 150 miles per hour. The weight limitation is approximately 350 lbs.

The new helicopters also include state-of-the-art avionics including GPS, moving map radar, SAT phones and a traffic collision avoidance system. Our pilots maintain IFR status, a rating that allows us to fly under FAA approved weather conditions that allow us to be more available throughout the year.

UW Med Flight is certified under instrument flight rules, not just visual flight rules in which the pilot must be able to see where they are going at all times. Instrument flying allows UW Med Flight to fly in less than ideal weather conditions.

Dr. Darren Bean

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Madtown on Jan 21, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Dave, you are exactly correct. They make it sound as if he had no type of exprience with IFR Rules, or what it all about. He simply was waiting for his checkride. He knew how to set up his flight equipment, he knew how to file a plan, and more importantly, he knew when to do these things, and what conditions to do them in. He probably felt that going with VFR in these conditions would be appropriate, even though NWS states that the skies were in MVFR at the time of the crash. MVFR does not mean he could not fly, it simply meant that it was marginal visibility.

Posted by: Dave Location: MP on Jan 20, 2009 at 03:11 PM
The latest headline is somewhat misleading, as the report stated that the pilot was instrument certified under his previous company. The process to certify under the current company was underway. Do a little more homework before posting a misinformed headline.

Posted by: RY Location: Madison on Jan 20, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Having grown up near LaCrosse, I can't imagine anyone being able to navigate through those bluffs on "vision" alone, especially at night and with less than perfect weather. Maybe it should not be the pilot's "choice" to decide what conditions to fly in. It seems that leaving a decision of that magnitude up to the pilot puts a tremendous amount of pressure on him/her, especially in this particular line of work. I can easily see where a pilot would be conflicted in making the choice whether to fly or not...risk the weather and take a chance or know your decision to stay on the ground might mean someone doesn't get needed help. In no way do I "blame" the pilot in this case. I just think the decision to fly in adverse weather should be left up to more than one person. My sympathies continue to go out to all involved.

Posted by: Concerned Location: Madtown on Jan 20, 2009 at 10:08 AM
He was flying scud...to all of you that dont know..he was flying below the level of the clouds. And at 100mph, ground comes up very quickly. As noted, he probably should have filed a IFR plan, but not being current on cert's, not sure how that would have went over with Air Methods. I worked with all 3 of these people, and it trully is sad that they are no longer with us. But I hope that lessons are learned from it, as all 3 of them were teachers in some form, and they certainly would want people to learn from there "mistake"

Posted by: MJ Location: IllINOIS on Jan 16, 2009 at 10:39 AM
Anonymous~ Please don't make judgements until you have walked in another's shoes. Some were heartened by those left memories.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 15, 2009 at 04:58 PM
While I don't condone the negative comments this is the last thing I would be reading if I was a friend or family member.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Jan 15, 2009 at 03:35 PM
its all going to boil down to PILOT ERROR plain and simple

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 15, 2009 at 02:59 PM
Why on earth would family and friends of the 3 involved in this crash be reading this? I'm sure they could care less about the random comments of the few who choose to post here.

Posted by: MJ Location: ILLINOIS on Jan 15, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Well said Nickie! The families, friends and colleagues of this fine crew are always in our prayers.

Posted by: Nickie Location: madison on Jan 15, 2009 at 09:48 AM
***PLEASE WHEN MAKING COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG UNDERSTAND THAT THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF THESE 3 AMAZING MEN WILL BE READING THESE. THERE IS NO SENSE IN BLAME BECUASE IT WON'T DO ANY GOOD AND IT WILL NEVER BRING THEM BACK. FAMILIES AND FRIENDS HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HEAL OVER THE LAST 8 MONTHS AND NEGATIVE COMMENTS WILL NOT HELP THEM WHATSOEVER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Posted by: D Location: Madison on Jun 4, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Ralph you are exactly right thats what i have been saying, just because they didnt have the safety equipt on that chopper just so UW could try and spare a few bucks, The Pilot DID NOT know the terrain and w/o warning its kind of a given on what happened. Believe me there will probably be lawsuits agains UW health because of them tryin to pinch pennies now its gonna cost them more

Posted by: Sydney Reed Location: Park City, UT on Jun 1, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Our families knew Brian Schiller, Danielle Bean and their son Darren for over 25 years. Darren was a person passionate about life, and loved what he did. What a tragedy this is.

Posted by: Ralph Location: Waunakee on May 30, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Nickie: You realize that the cause of this accident is likely going to be pilot error. He may have been a good pilot but mistakes are made. The fact that the preliminary report indicated no mechanical problems leads one to believe that pilot error was the cause.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on May 24, 2008 at 06:19 PM
OH GET REAL NICKIE

Posted by: Nickie Location: Madison on May 23, 2008 at 11:28 AM
To D and Anon: Everyone needs to stop and think about what you write before you do. Families that are reading this and using this as a healing tool. To get you up to speed seeing you obviously have NOT been reading artices: To D This was NOT the pilots first time flying around lacrosse and if you knew him you would know that he was an excellent pilot and that all crew trusted him. 2nd to the rest of you regarding the saftey equipment. The 2 items that you are referring to are recommend but NOT manditory. Also know that the UW along with other medical helicopters are trying to get these but the MILITARY are first in line and that is why we don't have these items currently. Also know that it has been stated that even if they had them it would most likely wouldnt have made a difference in the outcome. REMEMBER!! MedFlight has been opperating in Madison for 23 years-this was the FIRST incident ever so STOP TRYING TO FIND BLAME! These 3 men risking their lives for people they didnt know!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 22, 2008 at 01:00 PM
much respect to the med flight crew that passed and the crew that is taking over.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on May 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM
I meant FAA instead of EAA

Posted by: Anonymous on May 20, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Sympathy yeah, yeah, it's very sad but don't forget this again like many other instances if they put the right equipment in to begin with this would not have happened.

Posted by: D Location: Madison on May 20, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Maybe we can get back to normal now, its going to be interesting what the EAA comes up with, I am just guessing myself the pilot didnt know the terrain and w/o the warning systems they didnt have caused the crash, I just hope UW learns not to skimp on equiptment now and risks other lives

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Jefferson on May 18, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I knew the pilot and all the sympathy is great, and I sympathize with all the family, firends, and co-workers as well, but nobody really knows how it happened and a black box would help us to better understand what happened but one and only one person really knows why it happened for sure and that was the pilot Steve Lipperer. It is a shame that something as horrific as this had to happen to these three successful men. R.I.P. Steve Lipperer, Dr. Darran Bean, and Mark Coyne.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Lake MIlls on May 15, 2008 at 01:50 PM
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILYS

Posted by: Lynn Location: Reedsburg on May 14, 2008 at 03:03 PM
What a loss to the UW hospital community and surrounding area. My son required Med Flight care in 200 following an accident. They took excellent care of Ty! Our family's prayers go out to our friends and professionals at the UW Hospital and Children's Hospital, and of course their families!

Posted by: jean Location: Montello, Wi on May 14, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I was a student of Mark Coyne's. I will miss him at the podium teaching and observing practical skill demonstrations at my next refresher. I will also miss his smile and sense of humor.

Posted by: FF Family member Location: Madison on May 14, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Do not ask why?, Do not ask how? If this was our plan, these 3 amazing men would still be with us. But this is not our plan, it is Gods. Out of every tragedy and heartache, somehow, from somewhere, we must find a meaning, something good, some hope. These dedicated men gave everyday of their lives never loking for a thank you. This is what they did, who they were, and they loved every minute. In their honor, we must take from this the example by which they lived their lives. Think of others first, give selflessly, but always put family first. We should all hold these men in example of how to live our own lives. In the short time God allowed these men to grace our lives, they have made a difference in the lives of thousands. What a legacy to leave behind. We are in awe! Thank you to the families who shared these wonderful men with us. Behind every brilliant man is an amazing woman and family. Please take peace in knowing your loved ones are in paradise and you will see them again. Peace.

Posted by: FF Friend Location: Madison on May 14, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Dr. Darren Bean was not only a part of my families life on aprofessional basis, but he also cared for our son when rushed tothe ER after an accident. It was a scary situation for us, but Dr. Bean came in and treated us like roalty caring for our son and and reassuring us constantly. This we soon learned was the norm for Dr. Bean. We have never forgotten his kindness and professionalism. The city of Madison should all be mourning the loss of this brilliant, skilled Dr. who gave so much, to sao many, in many, many ways. Our Hearts and Prayers are with all of the families.

Posted by: renee on May 13, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Med Flight helped save my life in 2005. I very much appreciate what the team does for people every day & risk their lives to do so. THANK YOU! You have ALL been in my thoughts & our entire churches prayers -right away Sunday morning, before it was out to the public we were praying. Take your time to heal & grieve!

Posted by: Jeff Location: Whitewater on May 13, 2008 at 07:55 PM
PRIDE! What a powerfull word. I had the unfortunate opportunity of bringing our brothers home today. During there ride home, construction workers paused and lowered there hats, people pulled over without hesitation. People paused on the streets and waved flags. Truly impressive. I'm proud to be associated with the fantastic team of Med Flight and the people of Wisconsin who recognizes the dangers we face on a daily basis.

Posted by: Heidi Location: Madison on May 13, 2008 at 06:13 PM
My sincere sympathy to the families,friends and co-workers of those dedicated exceptional men. Kudos to NBC15 for honoring the wishes of the families by saying they will not cover the memorial service for Dr. Bean and Mark Coyne as requested.

Posted by: FF/EMT/ Instructor on May 13, 2008 at 02:27 PM
To P and anyone else wanting to volunteer. Go to your local EMS unit and advise them you are wanting to become an EMT and they will point you in the correct direction. There are EMT classes starting this summer at MATC in Madison. You can also contact MATC for further information. It depends on the area you live in. Thank you for your interest in wanting to serve your community.

Posted by: t on May 13, 2008 at 10:19 AM
This is so sad. Between the endless potential of a young doctor, the skill of this pilot and the experience of the nurse, this was an immense, across the board loss to the amazing staff and crew of UW Hospital. We thank you ALL for your service.

Posted by: David Location: East Side - Madison on May 13, 2008 at 09:57 AM
My deepest sympathy for the friends and loved ones of these three extraordinary people, who helped so many.

Posted by: P Location: Madison on May 13, 2008 at 09:45 AM
My condolences to the family of the three who were aboard the Medflight helicopter! To Shaun and to FF/EMS instructor...can you provide some info on how we can become a volunteer EMT? I am interested in becoming an EMT volunteer!

Posted by: Mary Location: Madison on May 13, 2008 at 09:23 AM
To Mike in Bristol- If there was another pilot we would be most likely be remembering yet another fine person in the medical field. Please stop trying to find excuses. People need to realize that MedFlight has been operating in Madison for 22 years and this is the FIRST accident that they have had. I do not feel that any of these fine men would have gotten in the helicopter if they did not feel safe. These men our Madison's heros and lets keep it to that. You three will be deeply missed by all. Lift up your glasses cause we salute you fine men.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Sun Prairie on May 13, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Darren,Mark and Steve.God be with you.

Posted by: shaun Location: Jefferson on May 12, 2008 at 11:02 PM
To anyone who feels the need to use this tragedy to post a negative comment regarding Med Flight is heartless, this is not about $ or Med Flight it is about 3 dedicated individuals who lost their lives. I am a full time and volunteer firefighter/Emt and I put my life on the line for people I do not know every time I am called to service. It is not about the recognition but about the passion of helping people and there is also the side of the job when we can not help no matter how hard we try. I personally have been involved in situations with Med Flight crews and their dedication and skill in the medical aspect and the flying skill of setting the helicopter in places that are not meant for them is amazing. This tragedy affects me personally because Mark Coyne is a relative of mine and was my EMT instructor. I personally knew Steve Lipperer from Med Flight calls and through his family. I did not know Dr. Bean but from what I have read he was a very intelligent dr and professor.

Posted by: ** Location: ** on May 12, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Please ignore the negative comments and let us remember that this is a forum for memorializing the three men who are no longer with us. God Speed, gentlemen. You are heroes in the eyes of countless individuals. May your family and friends find comfort in the words of so many whom you have taught and treated. Your legacy has been left for your students to continue your teachings providing excellent care to those who need it.

Posted by: Adam Location: Fitchburg on May 12, 2008 at 09:12 PM
It takes a special type of person to dedicate their lives to saving others. It takes another special type of person to dedicate their lives to emergency services. I've been around the Med Flight program since inception (my father is Mark Hanson) and have also seen these people in action on the front lines as well. I am very proud that I have met and known so many of these heroes. My thoughts and prayers go out to Darren, Mark and Steve's family as well as the extended Med Flight family that has grown into the thousands over the last 23 years. They will be deeply missed.

Posted by: Verna Location: Monee IL on May 12, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I am so very sorry for UW's lost. These men put there lifes on the line with every flight they go on. I know that God was there as a co-pilot, and show them the way home. May God's Love help us to understand why it happened and help the family's too. God be with all of you at UW Life Flight.

Posted by: Ken Location: Watertown on May 12, 2008 at 07:22 PM
This is a tragic loss which will be felt by hundreds of people all over the state. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Mark, Darren and Steve. I have known Mark for 20 years. He has been an instructor of mine from the time I was an EMT through the time I became Paramedic. I was privileged to have been a student of Mark and work along side of him at incidents when Med Flight was called. Every time I would see Mark he would always be smiling and have something witty to say that would always start out with (" hey fly boy"...). Mark was a great friend and I will miss him dearly.

Posted by: FF/EMT, Instructor on May 12, 2008 at 07:09 PM
This is a tragic time in the life of all who knew these men. They sacrificed their lives for others everytime they got in the copter. To all the public safety members that have worked to help in this situation & all others you are in our thoughts. As a fellow EMT & instructor who knew Mark for many years it is a sad time for all of us. To those of you who are make negative comments I hope & pray you never need any of our services. These people save lives as they put theirs on the line. I am sure none of you making those comments have ever had the skill or the guts to even step up & help someone you do not even know in the time of need. My thoughts are with the family, friends, responders, dispatchers & all those that serve their communities in one way or another. I have been serving my community for over 20 years and intend on doing so as long as God gives me the will to. Thank you all for what you do.

Posted by: Oregon Area Fire/EMS District Location: Oregon WI on May 12, 2008 at 07:03 PM
From all of us at the Oregon Area Fire/EMS District, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Bean, Steve Lipperer, and Mark Coyne. Some of our members had the chance to know and work with this crew on many occasions. These 3 will be missed. May they rest in peace.

Posted by: Dennis Beebe Location: Boscobel,WI on May 12, 2008 at 06:22 PM
In May 2006 I suffered a major bleed in the brain(stroke)and was tranported to UW Hospital by MedFlight.Through it all the were all very warm,professional and caring thus reassuring me at a terrible moment in my life that I was in good hands.The next nite as I lay sleeping at the hospital I was told the crew stopped by to visit me and finding me asleep they chose not to awaken but when I awoke in the morning found a UW MedFlight tee shirt laying neatly folded on my table.I was told by hospital staff the tee shirts were considered hot items at the hospital and hard to come by.Indeed later it came up missing but the crew promptly replaced it when I was also given a private showing of the aircraft and hanger facilities.I will be forever grateful to these beautiful people and my prayers go out to their families and loved ones-and may God bless them all for the work they have done and continue to do.

Posted by: Becky Location: Baraboo on May 12, 2008 at 06:22 PM
This dedicated team of indivuals will be greatly missed by our community. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this of each person who lost their lives during this traumatic event. I'm so thankful that the UW med flight team saved my life while suffering from bacterial meningitis.

Posted by: unknown Location: madison on May 12, 2008 at 06:20 PM
today are ems family has suffered a great loss. I had Mark many times for EMS class. His dedication was amazing. just knowing all of the lives he has touched and the students he has taught. his hard work and dedication will continue to shine with the numerous of individuals he has taught. Dr bean was a very inspirational teacher to steve my prayers are with your family

Posted by: Janet Location: Portage on May 12, 2008 at 06:15 PM
To emphasize & clarify the main points of my my other comment's meaning . . . political statements and poor me statements have no place in this discussion. Families and friends have lost loved ones and deserve our support. No whining or thinking of ourselves seems appropriate regardless of how much change our health care system needs. Our family lost six people this past year and one half and made regular use of Med Flight. As a former EMT/RN myself and as my late niece who was a Paramedic during her short 38 years and was a regular Flight For Life professional, we know what it means to go out at your own risk to help others. It is something you either have in your heart and your gut or not. Thank you to these families for sharing their loved ones with all of us who have needed them. May each family find peace and support! God's Blessings!

Posted by: Mary T, on May 12, 2008 at 02:55 PM
I worked at St. Marys and was involved with meeting med flight when they came in and I WAS WORKING. I MET MARK WAY BACK WHEN? I asked him if he was from around here as his last name "COYNE" was my mother's maiden name he was noyt from bhere but we met on several occassions

Posted by: b Location: madison on May 12, 2008 at 02:06 PM
My aunt's life was saved by these heroes. I am grateful they were there when shes needed them. I hope there familes find peace in knowing that they died doing what they loved. I can't think of a better way to go. Thanks for all you gave up to save us.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Monona,Wi on May 12, 2008 at 01:53 PM
What a Tragedy, my thoughts and prayers go out to all the families,friends, co-workers and aquantinces that new these three fine men. As for all the post comments by the people that are showing no solace for the hero's who have helped make a difference "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing," Luke 23:34 For Darren Bean, Mark Coyne, & Steve Lipperer "Christ is our Star of Hope. No other star ever pointed a man into so safe a harbor." Talmage Quietly You lead me to an open place; Hold me in the stillness 'til I see Your face. Waiting in the silence as You speak my name, Rising like an eagle I will fly. from "Sweet Victory" God Bless, you all are in my prayers!

Posted by: tyler Location: stoguthon on May 12, 2008 at 01:21 PM
hey that is very sad wat happened to all these people they did if for people . i hope the rip rest in peace

Posted by: Janet Location: Portage on May 12, 2008 at 12:42 PM
To those who turn the attention away from the tragic deaths of three fine people to dollars I can only say, "Shame on you.!" Equal access to affordable health care is a totally different subject all together from the tragic accident and the loss of life. There are many people including myself who can no longer afford health insurance coverage even through the HIRSP program, but until the whole health care system is revised there will always be the "haves" and the "have nots" as far as their decisions to access care. When a person isn't insured or is underinsured and faces the quick legal action taken by most health care facilities we don't always show our best side. Members of our family have worked on ground and air ambulance crews and our respect for the work is tremendous. UW Med Flight has carried precious people in our famliy and in our circle of friends and they were such a blessings to us. Our hearts and prayers go to these families. God bless!!

Posted by: MIKE Location: BRISTOL on May 12, 2008 at 11:38 AM
You could cut the horrendous accident rate of medivac helos to almost nothing by adding a second pilot.

Posted by: Anon Location: Madison on May 12, 2008 at 10:52 AM
It is wonderful to see someone acknowledge the dispatcher. They are too easily forgotten in something like this. It had to be terrible wondering what happened to his friends & coworkers and be stuck in an office so far away. I pray that he is able to know he had a vital role in the search for the accident scene. It is also important to note how vital the pilot is in all of this as well. Without he pilot these flights would never happen. The training they go through and the experience they bring is so vital. I do hope that people will not speculate on if this a person's fault or what happened. There are so many factors involved, maybe it was human error, maybe it was weather, maybe it was mechanical - we don't know and won't know until the facts are brought forward by the professionals investigating this tragedy. Use this time to provide support for the families, friends and collegues. The support provided through here is very touching and healing for all effected.

Posted by: Gold Cross Ambulance Service Location: Menasha on May 12, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the three brave men who lost their lives in this tragic event.

Posted by: Candy Location: Jefferson on May 12, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families, as neighbors to Steves brother Jeff, we had the opportunity to know Steve, and rest assured he died doing what he loved. Our deepest sympathies to Desiree, Ray, Diane, Jeff, Jodi, Corey, Nathan and Greg. We love you guys!!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Over the past two days we have all thought about Darren, Mark & Steve, along with the FAA and police who searched for our friends, but we have forgotten one other hero: our Med Flight dispatcher Bill. Bill has dispatched for Med Flight for 18 years. He spent 8hrs of his 12 hr shift searching for his friends right beside everyone else, only he did this from a small room on the seventh floor. It was Bill's quick thinking and skilled work that got the search underway so quickly and efficiently. It was also Bill who had the brilliant idea of calling the cell phones so the police could trace the calls, causing hits on the calls which helped to narrow the search enough to find our men. Thank you Bill!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 09:19 AM
mayb i missed it here but on msnbc they say the pilot was flying without navigational equipment, and did not know why. Why would he do that?? truely tragic. RIP

Posted by: Toby Location: TN on May 12, 2008 at 09:19 AM
There are an incredible number of comments below regarding the medical personnel and the people who lives they impacted, and rightly so. There are far fewer responses about the pilot, other than the majority which state "I didn't know him." It is sometimes forgotten that the pilot is also a vital part of any crew, often in the background, not high profile, but there just doing his job, quietly, competently, flight after flight, making decisions that affect the lives of all, patients and crews. In future, perhaps we should spare a moment or a thought for the pilots as we visit the facilities and maybe take a moment to introduce ourselves to them and say "thanks." Our thoughts are with them all, for everytime they lifted and gave something back.

Posted by: Fire fighters wife Location: Lake Mills on May 12, 2008 at 08:37 AM
My heart goes out to the families of these brave souls. My husband is on the fire dept. and said to me that he knew some of these men and is deeply saddened by this accident. They work so close to these men at times that it will be hard to adjust. Our family will be keeping the families in our prayers.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 12, 2008 at 08:35 AM
To Phillip Koenig-stop med flight? These three men sacrificed their lives doing what they loved and were very passionate about. Can you imagine what they must be thinking of your comment. They didn't TRY to save one life, they did save that life and thousands more over the years. Med Flight will never end and never stop saving our lives. GO MED FLIGHT!!

Posted by: Roni Location: Juneau on May 12, 2008 at 07:31 AM
My heart and prayers go out to the families of the crash victims. I personally knew Steve, (my sister is his sister-in-law), and he was a wonderful person. My deepest condolensences to to his wife, Desiree, his parents Ray and Diane, his brothers, Jeff and his wife Jodi, and Greg, and his nephews, Corey and Nathan. Love to you all and God be with you.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Blooming Grove on May 12, 2008 at 07:05 AM
To borrow lyrics from Willie Nelson, "Ain't nothin quite as sad as watching your heroes die." These three positively impacted those that had the honor of Learning from and working with this fine team at UW. My heart goes out to the families and the UW family, as well as our entire community, as this was an enormous loss to all of us. I pray that the rest of you will stay strong, focused and committed to the heroic acts you perform each and every day. Mark, Darrel and Steve with live on in all of you because of the role models they provided for the EMS students and seasoned staff alike. May they rest in peace and may the gift of time lessen the pain of this tragic loss. My prayers and thanks to you all for all that you are and do. I'm very proud to be the mother of three UW ER staff that were mentored by these exemplary men.

Posted by: Fire fighter Location: Lancaster WI on May 12, 2008 at 01:10 AM
My heart goes out to the families and all the med flight crews. You saved my grandfather when I was younger. I am now a fire fighter in Lancaster and what you do for our area is amazing. You have saved so many lives. You are like guardian angels. Without this service more people would not be here. To see this helicopter come in, you know that the patient is going to receive the best care in the world. May God bless the families and everyone of the crews that fly again. Keep up the tremendous work!!

Posted by: Med Flight Pilot Location: Madison on May 12, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and words of support. I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friends and the void that they left will never be filled. Rest assured that we will do what we can to be up and running as soon as safely possible to come to the aid of those who need us. I know that is what Steve, Darren, and Mark would want us to do.

Posted by: Curtis Ambulance Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and co-workers of this horrible event.

Posted by: Stephanie Lane Location: Baraboo on May 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM
I have had the honor and privilege of working with Darren and Mark at UW Hospital and St. Mary's. The impact to the entire MEDICAL (pre-hospital and hospital) community in the area is catastrophic. My thoughts and prayers go out to Darren's wife and children, his family, his friends, and the professionals who've worked along side him during his career. Anyone can attest to Darren's ability to impact your life, he was truly a phenomenal individual. My thoughts are with Marks family during this time, as you have pointed out I am sure that Mark wouldn't have wanted to go any other way than doing the work that he has profoundly poured his heart and life's work into. Steve, I've only met in passing, but his sacrifice to this profession does not go unrecognized as it takes a "hero" to do hero's work. May you all rest in peace! God bless those still on this earth dealing with this tragedy may you find comfort and love during these dark days.

Posted by: corrina kosharek Location: avoca wis on May 11, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I have work at the uw hospital with our dad for 12 years dad died in 2004 and every one at at med flight who work with us were great they even had reqsted that we keep doing the snow crew depament and we for meny years every one on the med flight crew didn't treat us like custodains they treat us like family this is a sad day for the UW family my hearts go out to not only the me flight staff,family ,frinds and to all the UW staff who lost 3members of our family in closing thank for all the lives you help to save you 3 will be depealy misst DARREN BEAN,MARK LOYNE and STEVE LIPPER sisrely CORRINA kosharek

Posted by: Brodhead Area EMS Location: Brodhead on May 11, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these very brave men. You have helped to advance pre-hospital medical care to levels we could only dream of. May your memories bring you comfort in time.

Posted by: Don & Debbie Location: Beaver Dam on May 11, 2008 at 10:26 PM
They saved lives, they risked their own everyday at work, they were absolutely professional and exceptionally talented. Our prayers to family, friends and co-workers, we will never be the same. It was such an honor know them. They made such an impact in Emergency Medicine. We may never know how many lives they touched.

Posted by: Rebecka Location: DeForest on May 11, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Mark Coyne is gonna be truly missed by all who knew him!! He was there for his students and anyone who needed help! He cared and loved life and loved working on med flight! In class we heard about it all the time he was very proud to be a part of the med-flight system and a teacher in E.M.S. He and the others are a great loss and my prayers go out to their families in this tragedy!! We are gonna go to National Regisries tomorrow and follow through with all we were taught and I know his spirit will be watching over us!!

Posted by: Lyndsey Location: Omaha, NE on May 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
My thoughts and prayers and with the victims family, friends, and co-workers.

Posted by: Stefanie Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 09:49 PM
My sincerest and most heart felt sympathy to all the family, friends and co-workers of these three men. What a tremendous loss. May God bless you all.

Posted by: * Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 09:47 PM
I cannot begin to express how tragic this is. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Mark or Steve, but I have worked with Dr. Bean numerous times in several of the recent changes coming to EMS in the near future. He was a phenomenal teacher. The passion Dr. Bean had for his career and his excitement for the improvments coming to the EMS world was contagious. It is a great tragedy to lose him, not only in the EMS world, but for his family and friends even more so. My prayers and thoughts are with all of the families and friends of these men. Dr. Bean will be greatly missed in the UW ER which is where I crossed paths with him the most. God Bless all EMS/public service people who know the dangers that are faced everyday we go to work to help others.

Posted by: Gene Location: Monroe on May 11, 2008 at 09:43 PM
God just got a GREAT Med-Flight crew! Bless you three for all you have done in your short time here on Earth. God speed...

Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 09:36 PM
My deepest sympathies go out to the families of these three heroes. I have worked with them on scenes many, many times. Dr. Bean had unending patience and respect for each and every member of EMS. He never came on a scene without a kind word and a thank you for everyone's efforts; and Mark was a mentor of mine from many years back when I was new to EMS. I will miss him deeply and will always remember the fun and interesting ways he taught us the skills we need to be in the field every day helping those in need. I am proud to say that I am a member of EMS, and because of Mark, I can say that I have learned so many things from one of life's greatest and gifted teachers. Mark--you were always there to answer questions, push me when I needed it, and teach with unending patience. You will never be forgotten and I will cherish the lessons you taught me. Anyone who has worked with you, or known you, is truly blessed. I hope to see you again one day in your tropical paradise.

Posted by: Jodi Location: Monee IL on May 11, 2008 at 09:27 PM
No one knows why the good ones are taken. My prayers to the staff and families of these men.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 09:20 PM
This is so sad for these families. Three years ago they flew my daughter to the UW for emergency surgery which saved her life. How I wish they had been as fortunate. I will be thinking of them.

Posted by: volunteer Location: madison on May 11, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Having been a student of Mark many times he will be greatly missed he always was ready to help and you always knew that if you made it out of his class you were ready for the challenge. He was tough but only because he was so passionate about get you to be the best you could. On the other side he was on duty the night we needed med flight for a firefighter and during the long weeks we spent in TLC at the UW he would come in and sit with me in the middle of the night and hold my hand when it was tough to have hope he helped find it. God speed Mark I hope you are flying high where ever you are.

Posted by: Kari Location: Waunakee on May 11, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of all three gentlemen involved in this tragedy. This is a monumental loss to healthcare and humanity, and their selfless acts of heroism will not be forgotten.

Posted by: Cambridge EMS on May 11, 2008 at 08:53 PM
It is with great pain we hear of the loss of three of our own. So many times we have worked or learned from these people, all will leave a lasting impression on the EMS community as well as the hundreds of lives they have touched.

Posted by: Philip Koenig Location: Madison, WI on May 11, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Stop Med Flight. Three peoples lives aren't worth the one they tried to save.

Posted by: Patty Location: Argyle EMS Argyle, WI on May 11, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Argyle EMS would like to send our prayers and sympathy to the families and co-workers. Argyle EMS was currently working with Dr. Bean and Mark on a 12 lead EKG project. All three of these men will be sadly missed.

Posted by: Melody Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 08:13 PM
My heartfelt prayers go out to the families of these GREAT men. The UW-Medflight team saved my sons life a few years ago. They are TRUE HEROS!!!!! GOD BLESS.

Posted by: Tim Location: Sun Prairie on May 11, 2008 at 07:53 PM
I worked professionally several times with this crew. What a tragic loss. These were 3 extremely dedicated people, who lost their lives helping others. God Bless them.

Posted by: valerie Location: oregon, wi on May 11, 2008 at 07:33 PM
My heart goes out to those who were affected by this tragedy. I worked at the UW Hospital and know how dedicated the Med Flight Staff is. When my daughter would come to pick me up after work she would ask if she could see my helicopter. One of the staff members took her 3 yr old little hand and let see the cool machine. It is people like that who make a difference in this world. They are heroes!!! May god be with them and their families!!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I am an employee of UW Hospital. We are a close knit group of people. We lost 3 of our own today. The heartbreak is unbearable. My deepest sympathy is extended to their family and friends. These men were heroes before they perished and they will forever remain heroes. We can never thank them enough for the care they provided to so many people. It is indeed a dark day, but as we all know, life goes on, and I get my comfort from knowing that these 3 men are now watching over all of us. RIP Darren, Mark and Steve.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison, WI on May 11, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Words cannot describe the sense of loss for my fellow co-workers. Over the past 5 years, I have come to know each of them and see how passionate and wonderful they are in doing what they did best - save lives. Deepest sympathies for their families and loved ones. Their legacy will live on with the same compassion and care they gave. God Rest Ye Merry Souls.

Posted by: Judy Location: Prairie du Sac on May 11, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Mark: You were not only a cousin but a friend. We will meet again someday and we will pick up where we left off with hugs, laughs and much to talk about. God's Speed and I will miss you!

Posted by: Annie Location: Southwest Wisconsin on May 11, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Wonders if they were the same crew that flew north of Platteville earlier in the day?? My heartfelt sympathy goes out to their families, co-workers and friends.

Posted by: Beverly Location: Frankfort IL on May 11, 2008 at 06:35 PM
My nephew Dr Todd Nelson is a member of one the flight teams. His request was that we pray for the families on their lost and for the UW-Med members that are feeling such a huge lost at this time. I wish that there was more we could do for all of you. God's peace to you all as you go thru your grieving. Remember that GOD LOVES YOU and will be your support. Just call on him.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Mark was an amazing man. He was always there pushing poeple to do their best. He wanted people to do what they loved just like he did. He died living his passion, and he would want people to know that life continues even though you have lost. Accomplish your dreams in memory of me.

Posted by: Gary Location: Florida on May 11, 2008 at 06:25 PM
God Bless these crewmembers and their families. Our prayers are with them.

Posted by: Kim Location: Baraboo on May 11, 2008 at 06:24 PM
So sad!! Too bad such good, and intelligent people have to go like this. A real tragedy!

Posted by: Dan Cathcart Location: Losd Angeles on May 11, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Darren Bean was my friend and my client. I represented Darren and his mother many years ago. Darren lost his father Bruce Bean in the crash of a Beech Queenair which occurred just after take off from the Albuquerque New Mexico Airport.when Darren was two years old. We became a part of Darren'sfamily. Now tragedy has struck a second time inflicting unbearable wounds on his family and friends.

Posted by: Jen Location: Middleton on May 11, 2008 at 04:22 PM
What an incredible tragedy. Dr. Bean was an amazing man and a wonderful EMS advocate. He helped make great advancements in pre-hospital care in Dane County that has already affected many lives. I had the pleasure of learning from him and wished I had the chance to know him better. Mark was my paramedic instructor years ago and has been a friend since. He had a unique way of passing along his knowledge and you always knew when he had something special to impart by the mischevious look in his eye. I didn't know Steve, but it takes a special person to pilot these birds. My thoughts are with their families at home, UW and MATC. They will be truly missed.

Posted by: anonymous Location: Rockford, IL on May 11, 2008 at 03:59 PM
I have had the pleasure to know Mark for the past 26 years and have to admit I hard a hard time relating to him many times, but over the past few years or relationship has grown to the point that I began to trust my life in his hands. I had him by my side as I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He stood by my side during the surgery and into recovery. And as late as last evening, he called me to check on my recovery. I'm sorry I never got to tell him that I am doing well and will be a better man because of his pushing. Mark was a person full of life that liked to cheat death as many times as possible, this time however it failed. The world will miss you Mark, but we shall celebrate your life as we think of the fun times you pushed us into. God Speed my friend.

Posted by: Sue Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 03:46 PM
God speed men! You now are wearing Angel wings. My thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends, co-workers, and all who knew these three wonderful individuals.

Posted by: The Fawcett's Location: Livingston, Wisconsin on May 11, 2008 at 03:44 PM
This is very sad. The ones that lost their lives are true heroes in our eyes. Our loving thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and co-workers. To the Med-Flight Crew... God Bless You All for all you do.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 03:32 PM
As a nurse in the ER, it breaks my heart to hear such sad news regarding my coworkers. All three of these men were hard working, caring individuals who will greatly be missed. It is truly a sad day in the city of Madison and the UW Hospital community. My deepest prayers go out to Darren, Mark and Steve's family and friends. For those of us who worked with these individuals, we need to be there for one another and take on day at a time.

Posted by: Melanie Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 03:21 PM
I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Bean in the ER several times.He was an outstanding doctor who really took the time to listen and treat me.It didn't matter how small the emergency.You could see how dedicated he was to every patient.I am so glad I got to know him,even if it was only doctor to patient.Dr. Bean,you will be sorely missed.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 03:11 PM
I worked every day with Darren on a daily basis and he was the very best in every sense of the word. His zest for life, passion for his work, and dedication to his job was only surpassed by his love of his beautiful family. He will forever be missed and our lives will never quite be the same.

Posted by: John Location: Verona on May 11, 2008 at 03:04 PM
The word "hero" is often thrown around cheaply, but in this case, these people are going to be remembered as true heroes. The UW MedFlight Team has literally saved thousands of lives over the years. These people live "on call" and dedicate their lives to helping others. Words can't describe how we are all both saddened by the loss, and thankful for people like these.

Posted by: Janet George, Crew Chief Location: Darlington on May 11, 2008 at 02:59 PM
On behalf of Rural Medical Ambulance Service in Darlington, WI, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the MedFlight crew members and to the entire staff of UW Hospital & Clinics. This is a tremendous loss to the whole EMS Community. MedFlight and its sister services throughout the country have greatly improved patient care for those of us living in rural areas by providing much shorter transport times to larger hospitals with more specialized care than our small, rural facilities. I hope the families, friends, and co-workers of these brave people find some comfort in knowing their loved ones helped so many people during their careers. They will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Kathleen Location: Lake Mills, WI on May 11, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Darren, Mark and Steve. May God Bless YOu!!

Posted by: km Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 02:41 PM
This sad, sad day really makes me want to go out and thank all the courageous people who put their lives at risk everyday to help others. I know I don't say thank you enough and now it is too late to thank these three. Reading these comments makes me believe that they died doing what they loved and that is a small comfort.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 02:28 PM
This is a sad, and HUGE loss to the medical community. Thoughts and prayers are with the families of these selfless individuals. Thank God for all the lives they've saved and touched while they were here.

Posted by: Lindsey Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 02:27 PM
As an employee of the UW Hospital Emergency Room, I was privileged enough to be able to work directly with these great people on a daily basis. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to Darren, Mark and Steve's family and friends, as well as to the UWHC family. We are all deeply impacted by this tragedy, and the loss will be felt for a long time to come.

Posted by: Eddie on May 11, 2008 at 02:10 PM
My heartfelt sympathies to all friends and family of the victims.

Posted by: Paul Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 01:56 PM
I am devastated....this a day that will be remembered in sadness forever. All our hearts go out to the families of those deceased.

Posted by: Cathy Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Mark Coyne was a caring, humorous individual with a busy schedule. He will be missed by all of us at Slice's. He'd stop in for his lunch at many different times of the day when his schedule permitted and we all got to know him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of these three dedicated individuals. God be with them.

Posted by: Kim Location: Chippewa Falls on May 11, 2008 at 01:28 PM
The reason this flight was not on radar is the La Crosse area is in a low river valley. There is no radar coverage from the Minneapolis/St. Paul facility down that low, thus the difficulty of identifying the track Med Flight took on departure. We are all hurt by the loss of this dedicated crew, and it brings closer to home the dangers and difficulties that we experience regularly in this industry. My sincere condolences to the families and coworkers of these fine men.

Posted by: Kevin Location: Montello, WI on May 11, 2008 at 01:27 PM
What a sad day for all. As a EMT this is one of those thing I just don’t like to hear about. My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved. Kevin EMT-IT

Posted by: roger Location: avoca wi on May 11, 2008 at 01:22 PM
this roger kosharek im a housekeeper works atuwhc iclean med flight area thease guys are like familythey be deeply miss my prayers are with family its going tobe hard togo towok tommorow great coverage

Posted by: Tina Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 01:15 PM
my sincere condolences to all the families, coworkers and friends of these true heroes ... since my boys were little and we moved here, we have always heard and seen Med Flight and really admired their dedication and expertise to all Med Flight folks -- we cannot say thank you enough, all our support and respect to each of you

Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 01:13 PM
Out of respect for those that have passed on and their friends and families who are grieving, please don't use this post to argue with each other. I knew those that passed as acquaintances and think that as a community we could gather together and show our support. My hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

Posted by: John Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I had the pleasure to get to know Dr Bean through his work with MPD and MFD. He was a professional dedicated to saving lives and improving the lives of those in our community. Please keep his family, and the families of the other heroes on board, in your thoughts.

Posted by: Robyn S. Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 01:11 PM
What a loss of three tremendous and talented individuals.We are all sad beyond belief and express our deepest sympathy to their families.

Posted by: * Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 01:03 PM
I work at UW Hospital and personally knew Dr. Bean and Mark. I am still in shock this happened. God bless the families and friends and everyone who knew Darren, Mark and Steve. I recently worked in the ER, and Darren allowed me to watch and assist with a procedure I had never seen before. His compassion, humor, dedication, and passion for his patients and saving lives was contagious. He is someone you never forget once you meet him. They will all be greatly missed. God Bless.

Posted by: K Location: Wisconsin on May 11, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Mark Coyne was my instructer at MATC too. He touched the lives of many. I am so sad. This kind of tragedy is felt by everyone in EMS. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the crew. Thank you so much to the UW MedFlight staff for doing what you do. You truly are Heroes. God Bless.

Posted by: Willy Location: Illinos on May 11, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I was transported from Baraboo to Madison 3 years ago by Med Flight. I know first hand the professionalism and care these great people provided. My heartfelt prayers go out to the families of these great men.

Posted by: Todd Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 12:57 PM
Today is a very sad day for the Emergency Medical Service family in Wisconsin. This is a tragic loss for all of us. These three men were true heroes, and the scope of their dedication can never be measured. Not only have they provided a high level of personal care and transportation for countless sick and injured people, they were also a tremendous ripple in the wave of medical education that many of us has been or will be impacted by...May they all rest in peace.... To my friend Mark Coyne- you were a great instructor,colleague,and post-classroom pal to try to solve Wisconsin's EMS problems with. You told me once that education is like a candle...you lose nothing by lighting another candle, and oh how many have you lit...Till we meet again, Good-bye my friend...Love Woodster

Posted by: Frank Byrne Location: St. Mary's Hospital Madison, WI on May 11, 2008 at 12:51 PM
All of us at St. Mary's send our sympathies to the families of Darren, Mark, and Steve, and the entire UW Med Flight family on the loss of these dedicated colleagues and valued friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Posted by: Friend Location: Dane County on May 11, 2008 at 12:48 PM
What a horrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 12:38 PM
I am a UW Hospital employee who worked with Dr. Bean. My heart goes out to all the employees in the Emergency Department who worked with Darren. He was such a talented physician who worked so hard for patients to have good outcomes from trauma, and other critical conditions. When you saw Darren in action he was "alive" and excited to help..so determined to do the best he could in an any situation. He made an impact on so many lives, young,old, those living here and those living far away. Trauma and Medflight are a huge specialized area at UW Hospital. These were the people that sacrificed weekends, holidays and family time for the good of the community- and for the patients. Thank you for all you did to improve the lives of people in the community and for being there when patients and families needed you most. These people are all true heros.

Posted by: S Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 12:34 PM
As a member of the UWHC family, there are no words that can express the sense of loss I feel... Darren, Steve and Mark: you will always be in our hearts. Your courage saved many lives and I know your angel wings have taken you to a place reserved for the best of us.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 12:24 PM
My prayer goes out to the family's of those brave souls - our everyday heroes. I am very sadden by this news. My heart goes out to all of the people that touch by these 3 and the loss they now have. I am so very sorry.

Posted by: Kevin Location: Boscobel on May 11, 2008 at 12:23 PM
My prayers go out to all family and friends of these people who helped save others lives. Hopefully the investigation will show what caused the helicopter to go down as it could be something that may prevent future accidents.

Posted by: Lauren Location: Fort Atkinson on May 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I Love You Steve!!!! I am really gonna miss you!!!! R.I.P.

Posted by: * Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I am one of the Med Flight crew. God bless all of you for your kind words. I feel truly blessed to care for people in their darkest hours and will continue to do so even after this tragedy. My dear friends will be greatly missed. I am touched by the support of the community. Thank you so much...

Posted by: Laura Location: mauston wisconsin on May 11, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I woke up this morning and had a text messenage on my phone from my friend. I am praying for all the familys and the staff members and friends of the three that were killed.

Posted by: EMT Location: Plain Amb. on May 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Prayers for the family know and have used Medflight crew. It is a great loss form the Medical Community.

Posted by: Carol Location: Baraboo on May 11, 2008 at 12:00 PM
We are so saddened by the loss of those great men. To their family and friends: please know that there are thousands of people praying for you and yours. My husband and I are sure these great men had flown over our home countless time; God now has three more angels, flying in heaven forever.

Posted by: Montfort Rescue Squad Location: Montfort WI on May 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Our sympathy for all of the UW Med Flight Crew, their families, friends, and Co-workers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Posted by: JTT Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Our condolences to the family, friends, and staff at UW Hospital.

Posted by: Edish Location: BH Pensacola, Fl on May 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Our condolences to family,friends, and to The University of Wisconsin staff.

Posted by: Anon Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 11:37 AM
I am also an employee of UW hospital. I am deeply saddened to hear this. We are like a family and these people did a lot for our community. Thanks guys! My prayers are with their families.

Posted by: Thomas Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
What sad news in Madison!! I am so sad about the loss!! God bless their families.

Posted by: Mike Location: Black Earth on May 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I knew Mark Coyne, he was an MATC instructor and ran my EMT Basic recertification class a few years ago. What a tradgedy. Thoughts and prayers to all the families and friends.

Posted by: Shellie Location: Mercy ED on May 11, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Our hearts and prayers go out to you. We truly appreciate their dedication and sacrifice. God Bless them for the work they've done, the hazards they encountered...., the lives they touched!

Posted by: Scott Location: McHenry, Illinois on May 11, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of UW Med Flight Team.

Posted by: Barb Location: FHN Hospital, Freeport Illinois on May 11, 2008 at 11:26 AM
The ED staff at FHN Hospital extend their thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of those lost in this tragic accident. We are proud to work with Medflight and their dedicated professionals. We too will miss them.

Posted by: Howard Location: Madison area on May 11, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I recently was a passenger of Med Flight and there is nothing better than having these people at your side when you are one in need. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the three who dedicated their lives to saving ours.

Posted by: Jessica Location: Montello on May 11, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I've worked closely with the MedFlight crews for the last 8 years in EMS, both as on the scene and in school. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, both personal and work families.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: middleton on May 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM
i am an employee of uw hospital and am saddend by this tragedy. the uw is like a family and we feel the impact of this event through every area of our institution. my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those lost and to those worked with these three men. the work they performed on a daily basis was truly selfless and having worked beside them in the most unimaginable of circumstances was a great honor. god bless.

Posted by: Sandy on May 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM
My prayers go out to their families and friends. What awful news !

Posted by: Susan Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 10:57 AM
To the families and friends of Darren, Mark, and Steve: these guys will never be forgotten for what they've done for our community. They will be missed. It takes a special person to put their lives on the line for others. May God comfort you in this sad time.

Posted by: Tom Location: DeForest on May 11, 2008 at 10:55 AM
One of the Med Flight personel was my instructor at MATC. They will be in our prayers. God bless. We will all miss them!

Posted by: Ken Location: Prairie du Sac on May 11, 2008 at 10:50 AM
A huge loss for all of our communities. They give of their time and lives to help those in need. I have assisted med flight on numerous occasions and it will be a big loss for the EMS community. My prayers go out to the crew's families, friends and co-workers.

Posted by: Michelle Location: Dodgeville on May 11, 2008 at 10:44 AM
This saddens me and my family my son was med-flighted by the uw med flight crew and they are what saved his life. These peoples gave there life to safe someone elses life and they should be considered heros. My heart goes out to the family of the crew and the members of the uw staff for there loss

Posted by: Sam - Flight Paramedic Location: Orlando, FL on May 11, 2008 at 10:36 AM
The thoughts and prayers of the Orlando Regional Medical Center - Air Care Team are with the families and friends of those in Wisconsin.

Posted by: Jeanie on May 11, 2008 at 10:28 AM
So sorry for the families loss!! We'll keep them in our prayers.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Madison on May 11, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Please keep them all in your prayers. The families and the staff of this exceptional program. They have risked their lives for others for 23 years!

Posted by: Anonymous on May 11, 2008 at 10:15 AM
God bless the crew and their families.

Posted by: Nancy Location: Pennsylvania on May 11, 2008 at 10:13 AM
EMS flights do not have to file a flight plan with the FAA unless they are flying using an instrument flight plan. My husband has been an EMS pilot for 8 years and flew helicopters in the Army for 25 years before that. I am proud of him and his crew every time they go to work. These fearless people deserve more recognition for what they do -- when you absolutely have to get there -- who do you call -- MEDFLIGHT!!!

Posted by: Daniel Location: Fitchburg on May 11, 2008 at 10:07 AM
My cousin was on board that med flight. My other cousins have already been informed that there were no survivors.A very sad day for all.

Posted by: Dave Location: from Lacrosse area on May 11, 2008 at 10:04 AM
The area they found it is heavily wooded and very hilly. Could have lost radarcontact in the hills maybe?

Posted by: Erin on May 11, 2008 at 09:35 AM
How sad!!!

Posted by: Tina Location: LaCrosse on May 11, 2008 at 09:21 AM
TO Kellie..the area around here is very hilly. If you have never been to La Crosse then you don't know about all the bluffs and valleys which are very thick with trees. I know they are working very hard. My prayers go out to all the families and all those searching.

Posted by: JJ Location: MADISON on May 11, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Lets all pray for their safety! These people put their lives on the line for us everyday!They rescue our loved ones in the time of need! We are praying for you, UW MED FLIGHT CREW!

Posted by: Kevin on May 11, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Med-Flight has been found near Grand Dads Bluff

Posted by: m on May 11, 2008 at 08:34 AM
Keep them in our prayers!

Posted by: Kellie on May 11, 2008 at 07:59 AM
WOW I hope everything is ok with the people on it. Sounds pretty strange that they havnt located it. It had to take flight so why wouldnt it be located with the air traffic control?

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