Firefighters and paramedics, along with Samaritan 2 medical crew transfer Terry Powell from the helicopter to the ambulance after a sensor indicated a potential engine issue in the helicopter. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

SYRACUSE — Terry E. Powell, 52, East CR 1250N, Milford, suffered a head injury after he was thrown from the moped he was operating. Powell was transported to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.

The accident occurred at 2:02 p.m. Friday, on West Railroad Avenue, east of North Oak Street, Syracuse. Samaritan Air Ambulance 2, from Rochester, was called to transport Powell to Parkview. However, due to a sensor indicating a possible problem in the engine, before taking off from the landing zone, Powell was transported by ambulance.

Syracuse Police reported Powell was westbound on Railroad Avenue when his 2015 moped left the roadway to the right. When the motorized vehicle reentered the roadway Powell lost control of the vehicle, causing it top over. Powell was thrown to the pavement.

A witness behind Powell stated he had been swerving all over the roadway on the vehicle prior to the accident.

Turkey Creek Fire Territory Firefighters and EMS responded. A landing zone was set up in the Wawasee High School parking lot, where Samaritan 2 landed and Powell was transferred to the air ambulance. However, just before taking off, the pilot received a warning indicator of engine problems. Powell was transferred back to the ambulance, along with medical personnel from the helicopter, and transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital.

The fire department brought up a tanker and, with the pilot, checked the helicopter for any sign of a fire. No fire was found. After a short period of time, the pilot was able to take off and fly on to the hospital to pick up his crew.

Damage to the moped was estimated at under $750.