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FAA preliminary investigation released for medical helicopter crash that killed 3

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OWENTON, Ky. — The Federal Aviation Administration has released preliminary investigation details about a medical helicopter crash in Owenton, Ky. that resulted in the deaths of three people.

According to the FAA, the Bell 206 helicopter crashed Monday around 6 p.m. near Kentucky Highway 22 East. Brian Rayner, a senior air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), said the helicopter was on its way to pick up a patient having a heart attack.

The report says the helicopter "struck guy-wire and crashed." A guy-wire is a tensioned cable, often made from steel, that is used to add stability to a free-standing structure. The FAA's report also says there was a post-crash fire.

In total, one pilot, one flight medic and one flight nurse died. Air Evac Lifeteam, an air medical service company, confirmed in a statement the three who died were crew members from its AEL base 133 in Grant County.

Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken and James Welsh were pronounced dead by the Owen County coroner.

A detail report from the FAA says Alleman has been a certified airline pilot at least since 2008. Rayner said Alleman was an "extremely experienced airman" and noted that he had used that area as a landing zone previously.

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Owenton resident Jay Thomas told WCPO he heard a distant "thump" while working on his car near Amigo's restaurant where the helicopter came down. He shared videos with us showing a large emergency response and a convoy of first responders heading to the crash site.

"I know there's going to be a lot of sad moments for their family," Thomas said. "I know friends and family from the community, from the local area, I will be praying for y'all."

The day after the crash, Williamstown Mayor Mark Christopher issued a statement offering support to EMS, fire and police departments who are mourning the loss of their fellow first responders:

"The City of Williamstown expresses their sincerest condolences for the loss of Air Evac Lifeteam 133’s Gale Alleman, Pilot, Bethany Aicken, Flight Nurse, and James Welsh, Flight Paramedic, in the tragedy that occurred last night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, the EMS/Fire/Police and Hospital Departments and our community as a whole. Any assistance the City of Williamstown can provide during this time we will be happy to do so. We also want to think all the emergency response teams for their rapid response times and their dedication to our community."

NTSB investigators were on scene Tuesday afternoon and provided information from its preliminary investigation, but cautioned it would take time for information about the cause and manner of the crash to be released. They asked that anyone with information or surveillance video that could help their investigation contact them at witness@ntsb.gov.

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