AUSTIN- One day after the National Transportation Safety Board released it’s report on the events leading up to Kristen McLain’s death, STAR Flight leaders acknowledged and accepted the findings.
“The NTSB concluded in the absence of any these equipment failures that it’s likely that the rescuer was not attached properly to the hoist,” said Travis County STAR Flight Program Director Casey Ping.
The NTSB report says McLain was not properly secured and was only ten feet away from the helicopter’s skids before she fell some 100 feet. McLain was in the midst of a hoist rescue operation. Part of the equipment that is used for those rescues is a three-lock system that includes carabiner-type locks. Ping says the protocols for hoist rescues were re-examined immediately after the tragedy.
“We have standardized some of the equipment. The pause at lift off to do a safety check,” said Ping.
In the meantime, McLain’s colleagues, family and friends continue on the road to recovery.
“We honor her sacrifice by continuing our service, informed by the experience of her loss and example of her excellence.”
STAR Flight crew members plan to wear blue the week of the one year anniversary in honor of McLain.