[Diane-RN Student]

My heart goes out to the families of those who died.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A medical helicopter dropped off a patient and then crashed shortly after it took off on its return flight to Madison, killing the surgeon, nurse and pilot on board, officials said Sunday.

The rest of the story follows:

http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8307137

[sirI]

How tragic. My condolences go out to the families of these individuals.

[CHATSDALE]

tragic when so much talent is lost in one time

[GingerSue]

very tragic

[ingelein]

OH NO!!! Last year a plane crashed into lake Michigan with nurses and doctors on board with an organ for transplant.What a strange and horrible thing for two such tradgedies here in WI.

[muhaha]

How come it always seems as though helicopters crash more than planes do?

[HillaryC]

I think it has to do with fixed wing aircraft being able to glide or something, whereas helicopters drop more quickly? Plus, don't helicopters fly lower, so they might have less time to fix the problem?

Originally Posted by muhaha

How come it always seems as though helicopters crash more than planes do?

[RNKatePSU]

muhaha,

As HillaryC was saying, airplanes are fixed wing designed to glide and fly. Helicopters, as strange as it seems, aren't designed to fly. It takes more effort and a good deal of skill to keep that kind of aircraft in the air and to do it safely.

Anyhow... very sad sad situation. It's heartbreaking to know good people died doing a great thing for someone else. Heros.

[Diahni]

What a tragedy - somebody else asked if helicopters crash frequently. I'd like to know this, too - a good friend lost her brother, who was a sky nurse, a few years back. My condolences to the families. Losing one's life while saving another is heroic.
Diahni

[Grace Oz]

So very sad. My condolences to their loved ones and their colleagues.