A DNRC helicopter crash occurred on Highway 12 when a helicopter was forced to make a harsh landing in a nearby mountainous area. The five DNRC crew members aboard were trapped inside as thick smoke and flames quickly engulfed the aircraft. With no immediate way to escape, their situation became increasingly dire. Fortunately, thanks to the quick response of Highway Patrol Trooper Amanda Villa, all five individuals were pulled to safety moments before the helicopter was completely consumed by fire.
Amanda Villa was searching for a fellow deputy to discuss future highway patrol plans when she witnessed the DNRC helicopter crash from a distance. The helicopter, battling extreme winds, lost control, forcing the pilot into a rough landing that left the aircraft turned sideways. This position trapped the DNRC crew inside, making it nearly impossible for them to escape. Acting quickly, Villa rushed from her car and began pulling the stranded individuals from the helicopter, including the pilot. Once all members were safely removed, she moved them to a secure distance in case the aircraft exploded, minimizing potential casualties. After ensuring everyone was accounted for, Villa contacted emergency medical services to transport the crew to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment of possible injuries or trauma.
As for the DNRC, they are making sure to make accurate assessments of the wind and environment in that same region that their helicopter landed in, to ensure that there won’t be any future crashes.
Fair Lifts offers emergency helicopter services for situations such as these and we have charter airplanes ready to pick up injured patients as well as carrying around heavy objects that need extra assistance. By having a medical helicopter come on the scene of a crash, the patients can be put on the helicopter and transported as quickly as possible to the nearest medical center.