Albany Med FLIGHT did not have a crash. The aircraft sufferred damage during initial engine start when a main rotor blade flexed downward and struck the vertical stabilizer and tailboom as the rotorhead began to turn. A main rotor blade did depart the aircraft but landed only a few feet away on the helipad. No debris departed the helipad and there were no injuries. As anyone flying a BK knows, despite the rigid rotor system, this problem has been known to occur. Hence, the manufacturer has built "knock outs" into the vertical stabilizers. Information regarding this event was submitted to the CONCERN network and can also be found on the NTSB website.
It's unfortunate how rumors get started.
Fly Safely,
Safety Committee
Albany Med FLIGHT, Albany, NY - Life Net of New York
