3 dead in medical plane crash in Mont.

A medical airplane headed to Bozeman to pick up a patient crashed as it was preparing to land, killing all three people on board, authorities said.

Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls confirmed its "MercyFlight," a King Air 200 turboprop, crashed Tuesday night. The pilot, a nurse and a paramedic were killed. Their identities were not immediately released.

"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved friends, co-workers and members of our community," said Julie Hickethier, chief clinical officer. "This is a time of tremendous mourning for our entire organization."

The small plane disappeared from radar shortly after 9 p.m. while inbound for the Gallatin Field Airport. Gallatin County Sheriff Jim Cashell said the crash was reported about 9:15 p.m.

Searchers and rescue crews had to use all-terrain vehicles and Jeeps to reach the crash site, about 15 miles northwest of the airport.

Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board investigators are investigating.