Press Release Source:
Ella Crowley
Chief Flight Nurse
Lifeguard Alaska

A Providence Alaska Medical Center BK-117 helicopter flying a patient from Cordova to Anchorage missed two regular 10-minute position updates and was reported missing over Prince William Sound Monday evening.

In accordance with LifeGuard Alaska emergency procedures, LifeGuard personnel notified the US Air Force's Rescue Coordination Center at Elmendorf Air Force Base after the second missed position update. Air Force and Coast Guard assets have responded to assist in the search, and two LifeGuard fixed-wing aircraft are orbiting overhead, searching with night vision goggles and listening for any radio call.

In addition to the patient, the BK-117 helicopter carried a pilot, a flight nurse, and a flight paramedic. Names of the crew and the patient are being withheld at their families' request.

The BK-117 is a twin engine helicopter that has been stationed at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna since March 2006. The aircraft is fully equipped to fly under instrument conditions, and carries an advanced ground proximity warning device, radar, a radar altimeter, night vision goggles and winter survival gear.

Updates will be issued as additional information becomes available.