In what has become a sad trend this year, six more people died in a medical helicopter mishap on Sunday in Flagstaff, AZ.

 

Two choppers were heading to Flagstaff Medical Center when they collided near the hospital. Three people aboard each helicopter died, and another person aboard one the aircraft suffered injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident.

 

A parking lot security camera may have captured the crash, the Associated Press reported.

 

In 2008, 16 people have died in seven crashes, which involved eight medical helicopters, The New York Times reported.

 

In an upcoming issue, Briefings on Hospital Safety subscribers can find out what one health system learned by conducting helicopter crash drills.