ST. GEORGE — A sightseeing helicopter made an emergency hard landing in Hildale Monday morning.
Hildale-Colorado City Fire Chief Kevin J. Barlow told St. George News the helicopter was giving rides at 7:27 a.m. The aircraft took off from a field and appeared to have a mechanical problem.
“They just had to bring it down hard and quickly,” he said.
Barlow said the aircraft made a “hard landing” in a subdivision about a mile north of mile marker 1 on state Route 59 just west of North Mulberry Street. The site was by a turnoff on the highway’s north side near some juniper trees in a small grove by an orchard.
The four occupants suffered minor injuries, and none needed to be transported for further medical care, Barlow said.
The fire department secured the scene and provided fire protection for the helicopter’s leaking fuel. Barlow said they then turned the case over to the Hildale-Colorado City Police Department for investigation.
Police Lt. Mark Gowers told St. George News his department would send their findings to the National Traffic Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration for further investigation. Responders also requested that the Colorado City Municipal Airport manager travel to the scene and help report the incident to the FAA.
This report is based on statements from police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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