Sheriff's Department Helicopter Crashes In Albuquerque

[monstermudder78]

Sheriff's Department Helicopter SHOT DOWN In Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department helicopter crashed in the backyard of a northwest Albuquerque house at about midnight Saturday.
Sheriff's deputies said a civilian pilot and a sheriff's deputy were on board when the helicopter crashed.
The two were assisting ground crews on a burglary investigation, police said.
The pilot suffered a leg injury, but the deputy walked away with minor injuries.
Sheriff Darren White said the pilot told him he heard a loud pop before the power to the helicopter went out. He said the pilot believes the engine malfunctioned.
Sheriff's deputies said the crash is still under investigation.
www.thenewmexicochannel.com


Albuquerque, NM-
A Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office Helicopter went down Friday night in northwest Albuquerque. People who saw the crash say its a miracle. The pilot and deputy on board are lucky to be alive. The helicopter was just feet away from slamming into some homes in the Paradise Hills neighborhood. The Federal Aviation Administration is now working feverishly to try to figure out what happened.
www.kasa.com

[lsmalibu]

Sounds suspiciously like what witnesses described when the Sacramento County, CA Sheriff's helicopter crashed. Anyone know what type of helicopter Bernalillo County uses?

[Stan Switek]

They are seeking additional pilots at this time with MD500 experience so I assume that is what they were flying, not the EC120 like Sacramento.

[monstermudder78]

Breaking News:

Probe: N.M. Sheriff's Helicopter Shot Down

The Associated Press
Wednesday, August 10, 2005; 12:16 AM

ALBUQUERQUE -- A sheriff's department helicopter that crashed behind a home in Albuquerque during the weekend was brought down by gunfire, authorities said Tuesday.

Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White said authorities have no suspects yet but are working with the FBI.


Investigators examining the wreckage Monday noticed what appeared to be a small hole in the windshield of the cockpit, White said. "Deputies also located several items that are consistent with a bullet that has fragmented upon impact."

Both the civilian pilot and the deputy on board when the helicopter crashed early Saturday survived with minor injuries.

White said the pilot and deputy were assisting deputies on the ground who were investigating a burglary call when the helicopter lost power. The pilot told White he heard a pop, then felt the helicopter pitch and shut down.

The helicopter landed about 15 feet from the back of a house.

"Let me be very clear, we intend to use every resource available to track down the coward who is responsible for committing this sick and twisted act," the sheriff said.

[sgttom]

wow. glad they're ok..