NEW CHOPPER: Temporary Replacement

A northern Iowa hospital is receiving a temporary helicopter to replace one that crashed, killing three people in early January.

The helicopter could arrive at Mercy Medical Center-North in Mason City as soon as Monday.

The machine will replace the one that crashed January 2nd near Ventura. The pilot, a nurse, and a paramedic on board died in the crash.

Officials say this is the first step in resuming medical transportation air service.

There is no word yet when air transportation will resume.

A preliminary report shows icy weather may have played a role in the fatal crash.