Contributor

Mark Huber

A former helicopter air ambulance pilot has been charged with flying under the influence of alcohol while transporting a passenger. The federal government is charging Morgan J. Wiljanen, 46, of Louisville, Kentucky, with allegedly piloting Air Evac Flight 79, a 2009 Bell 206L-4 registered N473AE, from Corbin to Richmond, Kentucky, while intoxicated on or around March 21, 2023. The intended destination was the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.
Wiljanen appeared in federal court in London, Kentucky, on November 7 and pled not guilty. However, court documents suggest that he is negotiating a plea deal. He is charged with “unlawfully operating an air common carrier while under the influence of alcohol,” a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 342.
Wiljanen holds a rotorcraft instrument instructor rating and an airframe and powerplant mechanic certification.
AIN contacted Global Medical Response, the parent company of Air Evac, for comment. It had not yet responded at press time.

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Kentucky helicopter air ambulance pilot allegedly flew drunk

The former Air Evac pilot committed the alleged offense while transporting a passenger

The federal government has charged a helicopter air ambulance pilot with flying under the influence of alcohol