Rotorcraft
Medevac Helicopter Pilot Heard Loud 'Bang' Before Crash
Sound came from rear prior to fatal accident
Broward Country air ambulance helicopter accident August 28, 2023
An Airbus EC135 helicopter operated by the Broward County Sheriff's Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue unit crashed soon after takeoff from Pompano Beach Airport in Florida on August 28. (Image: Flightradar24)

The pilot of a medevac helicopter that crashed into a South Florida apartment building last month noticed two loud “bangs” from the rear of the helicopter and a fire indication on the number one engine, according to a preliminary report issued by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The 1999 Airbus EC135T1 went down shortly after departing Pompano Beach Airpark (KPMP) en route to a traffic accident on the morning of August 28. A paramedic aboard the aircraft was killed, as was a resident of the apartment building. Another paramedic sustained serious injuries, while the pilot suffered minor injuries. The helicopter was operated by the Broward County Sheriff’s Fire Rescue Office.

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