Injured pilot improves

Published 6:00 pm Saturday, February 16, 2002

Helicopter pilot Steve Smith of Clinton was upgraded to fair condition at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center this week.

Smith was admitted to the hospital Jan. 20 after his helicopter crashed near the community of Index due to engine failure. Smith sustained injuries to his abdomen, chest, legs, ribs, spine and aorta.

A spokesman for Harborview said Smith was moved from the intensive care unit on Jan. 31 and began rehabilitation Feb. 8.

Smith is a pilot for Airlift Northwest, a medical transport company that moves critical patients to hospitals and trauma units around the Puget Sound area.

He is married to Norma Smith, one of three people seeking the Republican nomination to challenge 2nd District Congressman Rick Larsen this fall.