CHELSEA, Ala. – The National Transportation Safety Board has released its final report on the April 2, 2023, crash of a medical helicopter in Shelby County that killed two crew members and seriously injured a third.
The Airbus EC 130 T2, operated by LifeSaver 4 out of Sylacauga, was responding to an emergency call when it went down near Shadywood Circle and Bear Creek Rd. around 5:22 p.m.
The crash claimed the lives of pilot Marc Gann of Sylacauga and flight nurse Adam Russell of Goodwater. Flight paramedic Amanda Daniels survived but was critically injured.
According to the Safety Board, the probable cause was the pilot’s delayed corrective actions during a maneuver, leading to a loss of control. Investigators also determined the pilot had used multiple sedating medications, which likely impaired his performance.
Flight tracking data showed the helicopter departed at 4:53 p.m. and arrived near the emergency site by 5:07 p.m. After circling the intended landing zone, the pilot attempted to land at an alternate location. The aircraft disappeared from radar at 5:22 p.m.
Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter hovering before it abruptly ascended, turned, and plunged nose-first into the roadway. Dashcam footage from a responding officer showed the helicopter’s nose impacting the ground, followed by a fire near the engine exhaust. Officers and a bystander helped contain the blaze before firefighters arrived.
Daniels, who was ejected during the crash, recalled the aircraft functioning normally during earlier flights and the pre-flight check.
The wreckage showed severe impact damage to the tail rotor and thermal damage from the post-crash fire. However, the engine was determined to be operating normally until impact.
