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Medical helicopter crash in McFarland kills 4

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NEAR MCFARLAND, Calif. -- Kern County Fire crews confirmed that 4 people were killed Thursday evening after the Skylife medical helicopter crashed.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the company that was operating the helicopter reported the aircraft was overdue, according to KFSN-TV in Fresno.

The helicopter was flying from Porterville Municipal Airport to Meadows Field Airport when the aircraft went missing at around 6:50 p.m.

Dan Lynch, EMS Director, said that at approximately 7:05 pm, the Fresno County EMS dispatch Center was unable to make radio contact with Skylife 4, while conducting the routine safety check, which is a 10 minute safety check when aircraft are in flight.

When the dispatch center was unable to make contact with Skylife 4, they immediately contacted the airport towers in Fresno and Bakersfield.

Kern County Fire crews found a debris field near Sherwood Avenue and Highway 65 at around 9 p.m.

 

23ABC News has confirmed that the helicopter was scheduled to go to San Joaquin Community Hospital, according to hospital spokesperson Jimmy Phillips. 

Firefighters from Delano had begun searching in that area after reports that the helicopter lost contact with officials, according to Kern County Fire Engineer Michael Nicholas.

23ABC crews reported that the area was filled with thick fog late Thursday night.

The helicopter had one pilot, a flight nurse, flight paramedic and the patient onboard when it crashed.

Kern County fire officials confirmed around 10:20 p.m. that all occupants onboard the helicopter were killed when it crashed.