NTSB releases preliminary report on Owenton medical helicopter crash [Video]

OWENTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report surrounding the October 7 medical helicopter crash that killed three in Owenton.

Following the crash, a statement released by the FAA reported that the medical helicopter had hit a “guy wire” on a tower. Brian Rayner, NTSB senior air safety investigator said during an October 8 press conference that the helicopter had hit a “known hazard,” and that the pilot was reportedly circling the area until a patient was ready to be picked up from a landing zone.

According to the NTSB report released today, the helicopter’s last inspection was performed September 16, 2024 and was equipped with systems that “provided both visual and aural terrain and obstacle advisories to the pilot and crew.”

All major components of the helicopter were accounted for at the scene of the crash, with five impeller blades exhibiting bending …