LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The helicopter pilot who hit a guy-wire and crashed Monday, in Owen County, Kentucky, had extensive flight training and had landed in that same zone before.

Brian Reynar, with the National Transportation Safety Board, said Tuesday that Gale Alleman had 17,000 hours of training when he was hired by Air Evac Lifeteam. Aleman, flight nurse Bethany Aiken and paramedic James Welsh were on board when the helicopter crashed about an hour northeast of Louisville. Reynar said they were circling the area waiting to pick up a cardiac patient.

"Air Evac Lifeteam is mourning the tragic loss of our three crew members from AEL Base 133 in Grant County, Kentucky," Air Evac Lifeteam said in a statement late Tuesday evening. "Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to their families, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."

All three medical professionals on board were killed.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration website, a Bell 206 helicopter crashed about 6 p.m. off East Highway 22 in Owenton. Reynar said the helicopter hit a wire that was about 1.5 inches thick. Upon impact, the wire didn't break but the rotor blades broke off from the main body of the helicopter, sending it directly into the ground.

An aircraft recovery team will begin the process of removing the remnants of the helicopter Wednesday, a process that could prove tricky given the hilly terrain and the heavy fire that broke out upon impact. Reynar said the outer portion of the main rotor blade is still missing. The other blades were found about 400 yards from the main crash site.

The Federal Aviation Administration is on scene to investigate, along with the NTSB.

"As the investigation continues, we are fully cooperating with the FAA and NTSB. To avoid speculation and to respect the integrity of the investigation, we will not be commenting on its details," Air Evac Lifeteam's statement Tuesday evening continued.

An NTSB report on the crash is expected within 30 days, though that will be preliminary. The NTSB said a final report, including a probable cause of the crash, will be expected in 12-24 months. 

"Once on scene, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft," the NTSB said in a written statement Tuesday. "Part of the investigation will be to request radar data, weather information, maintenance records and the pilot’s medical records. NTSB investigators will look at the human, machine and environment as the outline of the investigation. During the on-scene phase of the investigative process, the NTSB does not determine or speculate about the cause of the accident."

A GoFundMe page for Welsh — whose widow, Haley, is pregnant with their child — has already raised more than $25,000.

"Our primary focus is on supporting the families affected by this tragedy and our team members as they navigate this heartbreaking loss," Air Evac Lifeteam said in its statement Tuesday. "Air Evac Lifeteam is committed to assisting all those affected, and we want to emphasize that mental health support services are available for our team members and anyone else in need. We are also working directly with our AEL teams to support their other needs at this time."

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