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| News > Rescue Airmen respond to helicopter crash |
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A 920th Rescue Wing HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pierces the desert sky over the southern-Arizona mountains as part of two-weeks of high-altitude training as pilots and aircrews from the 920th Rescue Wing here trained July 12 through 25, 2008, at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Members of the 943rd Rescue Group here responded to a Department of Public Safety helicopter crash recently. As an Air Force Reserve Command unit, the 943rd RQG is currently under the control of the 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, FL., and is the only Reserve rescue unit in the Southwestern United States. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
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Rescue Airmen respond to helicopter crash
Posted 2/1/2011
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by Capt. Cathleen Snow
943rd Rescue Group
2/1/2011 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- Air Force reservists from the 943rd Rescue Group here responded to a Department of Public Safety helicopter crash in a rugged valley northwest of Tucson Jan. 31.
Around noon, 943rd RQG Airmen were conducting two rescue helicopter training missions in the local area when they heard radio chatter indicating there had been an accident.
"We are an Air Force rescue helicopter with a hoist. Do you need our help?" the aircraft commander asked.
The 943rd RQG is an Air Force combat-search-and-rescue unit which trains to rescue downed or injured service members from combat situations.
The distressed helicopter crew responded yes and, the Airmen immediately returned to Davis-Monthan AFB and picked up pararescuemen to assist with the rescue.
Due to the rough terrain in the Avra valley, local rescuers had difficulty hiking to the accident. The PJs are highly-skilled personnel recovery specialists trained to perform rescues in all types of environments, to include mountain, cold-weather, water, etc.
There were four people on board, two were able to escape, and two were trapped in the helicopter.
"We were very concerned that our rotor wash would cause the wreckage to tumble down the cliff," said Capt. Brough McDonald, HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot, 943rd RQG.
The helicopter below was teetering so the aircrew put the helo's main gear in contact with the ground while three pararescuemen jumped out and secured the wreckage with ropes.
The PJs are also trained trauma specialist. In addition to getting to the victims in this hard-to-reach spot, they provided immediate medical aid.
Two of the survivors were able to walk and could board the aircraft with some assistance, while the other two had to be hoisted with litters. The survivors were transported to local medical facilities.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
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| Brad, DM AFB |
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| Will M., The University of Mississippi |
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| Keith C., Middle West |
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| Marc Harv, Valhalla TX |
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