MADISON, Miss.–A Med Trans medical helicopter leased by the University of Mississippi Medical Center crashed Monday afternoon near the Natchez Trace Parkway in Madison. There were no survivors.
“Shortly after noon today, we received notification that the helicopter went down,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, UMMC vice chancellor for Health Affairs in a Monday afternoon news conference. “We have had confirmation from law enforcement officials on site that there were no survivors.”
Woodward said the chopper had dropped off a patient and was returning to its base.
The cause of the crash was unclear. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board were at the crash site to begin their investigation, said Woodward.
“We want to express our deepest condolences. The entire medical center family is heartbroken over this,” she said.
Woodward clarified that the helicopter is not owned, but leased from Med Trans by UMMC. The pilot is employed by Med Trans. But, she said the safety record has been outstanding for their helicopters.
“A real point of pride has been our safety record. In the history of our program, this is our first crash,” she said.
Woodward said the crew responds to emergencies all around Mississippi.
