Rescue Airmen respond to helicopter crash

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 943rd Rescue Group
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz --  Air Force Reservists from the 943rd Rescue Group here responded to an Arizona Sheriff's Department helicopter crash in a rugged valley northwest of Tucson Monday.

There were four people on board, three were injured, one died at the scene. Two were able to escape, while the other two were "trapped" in the helicopter.

"We were very concerned that our rotor wash would cause the wreckage to tumble down the cliff," said Capt. Brough McDonald, HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot, 943rd RQG.

The helicopter below was "teetering" so the aircrew put the helo's main gear in contact with the ground while three pararescuemen (Pjs) jumped out and secured the wreckage with ropes.

The two that escaped were were able to board the rescue aircraft with some assistance, while the other two had to be hoisted with litters.

At roughly noon, the 943rd RQG was conducting two rescue helicopter training missions in the local area when they heard radio chatter indicating there had been an accident.

"Hey!" We are an Air Force rescue helicopter with a hoist. Do you need our help?" radioed the aircraft commander.

With a yes-response, the Airmen immediately returned to Davis-Monthan AFB and picked up three pararescuemen (PJs) each to assist with the rescue.

The PJs are highly-skilled personnel recovery specialists trained to perform rescues in all types of environments, to include mountain, cold-weather, water, etc.

Due to the rough terrain in the Avra valley, local rescuers had difficulty hiking to the accident.

The 943rd RQG is an Air Force combat-search-and-rescue unit which trains to rescue downed or injured service members from combat situations.

The PJs are also trained trauma specialist. In addition to getting to the victims in this hard-to-reach spot, they provided immediate medical aid. The survivors were transported to local medical facilities.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

"I'm very proud of how our Reserve Airmen performed yesterday. We happened to have aircraft already airborne and I'm glad we were able to respond. It was a team effort and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and members of the aircrew affected by yesterday's events," said Col. Harold Maxwell, 943rd Rescue Group Commander.

For additional information, log onto http://www.920rqw.afrc.af.mil or follow the 920th Rescue Wing on Facebook and/or Twitter.