Helicopter crash claims 2 lives

MEGAN GRAY

MIDLOTHIAN – Two Care-Flite crew members were instantly killed upon impact when their helicopter burst into flames near Wyatt Road and Highway 67 in Midlothian Wednesday, June 2 around 2 p.m.

According to reports, the Bell 222 helicopter lost its rotor and engulfed the occupants in flames, also igniting a grass fire nearly an acre wide, after taking off from the company’s Grand Prairie based hanger for a post maintenance flight.

The two dead at the scene were later identified as Mechanic Stephen Durler,23, of Dallas and Guy Del Giudice,44, of Keller

"We ask that you keep the families of those killed and of all first responders in your prayers, "stated President of CareFlight Jim Schwartz.

No voice data recorder was required for the aircraft.

CareFlite announced their two remaining Bell 222 helicopters they own will remain grounded until more information becomes available about what caused last Wednesday’s crash.

"Keeping the Bell helicopter grounded will reduce our patient transport capacity by about 20 percent," said Schwartz.

The Federal Aviation Administration and The National Transportation Board are currently investigating the exact cause of the crash.