From Press, Staff Reports

North Mississippi Medical Center's aeromedical services helicopter crashed the night of Jan. 5 south/southeast of Falkner. The pilot, James Archer, 58, was confirmed dead at the scene.

The helicopter had been dispatched to respond to an emergency call at 8:05 p.m.following a one-vehicle accident on County Road 564. NMMC's aeromedical services helicopter with a pilot and two flight crew members lifted off at 8:22 p.m. and landed at the accident site at 8:37 p.m.

At 8:45 p.m., a problem was reported with the chin bubble on the front of the aircraft. The problem was not one that would compromise the structural or mechanical performance of the helicopter but in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations, a mechanic was dispatched to the accident scene just after 9 p.m. to repair the helicopter.

The two flight crew members and accident victim were transported by ambulance to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. A temporary repair was made on the front of the aircraft and the helicopter lifted off to return to Tupelo at 11:03 p.m. The helicopter went down during the return flight. The Federal Aviation Administration was notified of the incident and the National Transportation Safety Board came to the site to investigate the crash scene.

NMMC's helicopter had made more than 7,300 flights in its 18 years without an accident. The medical center's service area includes Webster County and community hospital NMMC-Eupora.

"This is a tragic event. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the pilot and all North Mississippi Medical Center employees," said John Heer, NMMC president and chief executive officer.

Archer, who began flying with North Mississippi Air in 1987, was a pilot for Air Methods Corp., formerly Rocky Mountain Helicopters, based at NMMC.

Archer began his military career as a jet aircraft mechanic in 1968 with the Meridian Air National Guard and transferred to the Army Guard in Tupelo in 1975. He attended Army Officer Candidate School, Army Officer Basic and Army Rotary Wing Flight Training. He spent years flying with the National Guard, Tupelo Police Department and Mississippi Forestry Commission. He received multiengine, fixed wing, commercial, instrument and flight instructor ratings along with airframe and powerplant mechanic's license.

Flying for the aeromedical services includes being a part of an elite team, which was a gratifying experience for Archer. He enjoyed having the opportunity to work with highly trained medical flight crew members and pilots who bring a wealth of experience, education and expertise to NMMC.

Archer's family includes his wife, Marcia, of Wren; a daughter, Leigh Anne, and her husband, Chris Erikson; and their daughter, Campbell Lee Erikson.

In an interview in 1997, Archer said, "Flying for RMH and North Mississippi Health Services for the last 10 years has been the most gratifying job I have ever had. I feel fortunate to be a part of a team that I truly love, and that I think is so important to our area."

North Mississippi Medical Center has established the James Archer Memorial Fund at BancorpSouth, 1 Mississippi Plaza, Tupelo, MS 38804. Gifts may be made at any branch of BancorpSouth and will be given to the family.