Correction: In an earlier version of this story we incorrectly reported that the helicopter was in a spin. The NTSB preliminary report states “once the flight nurse and patient cleared the trees, they began a steady spin.” We apologize for the error.
AUSTIN, Texas — The NTSB released a preliminary investigation report into the death of flight nurse Kristin McLain that reveals she fell during a hoist rescue after the medical helicopter began to move forward when the patient and nurse were in a spin.
According to the report, on April 27 the STAR Flight helicopter responded for a hoist rescue of a patient in the green belt.
McLain, 46, was lowered to the ground with a backboard for the patient. McLain secured the patient and radioed that she was ready for extraction. The helicopter moved into position and extended the hook to her. After giving the signal, the hoist operator initiated the lift to the helicopter.
Once the flight nurse and patient cleared the trees, the patient and McLain began a steady spin. To stop the spin the pilot moved the helicopter forward. After the spin had just about stopped, the hoist operator noticed that McLain was riding in a position lower than normal. She then fell from the line.
The helicopter was equipped with a camera and voice recorder that captured the operation and communications. The flight crew also performed normal equipment checks before the rescue, according to the report.
STAR Flight grounded all of it’s helicopters after the fatal fall. McLain was remembered as caring and determined during her memorial service.