Investigators Believe Weather Is To Blame For Rental Helicopter Crash

September 26, 2013

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash of a rented helicopter as it attempted to land near a ranch northwest of Flagstaff on Wednesday. Gerry Blair of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office says weather may have been a factor,

“Deputies are investigating the possibility that the pilot was in the process of landing with the aircraft positioned approximately 20 feet off the ground, when it was struck by a gust of wind causing the pilot to lose control,” Blair said.

Three of the four people on board sustained minor injuries.  The helicopter was transporting passengers from Mesa’s Falcon Field, to a shooting event at C-and-C Ranch.