Legal News for Michigan Aviation Accident Attorneys. Three U.S. Coast Guardsmen escaped injury after the rescue helicopter they were in crashed into Lake Huron.
News for Michigan aviation accident lawyers- No injuries were reported after a Coast Guard helicopter crash occurred near Port Huron, Michigan.
Port Huron, MI—A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) rescue helicopter became involved in a frightening aviation accident near Port Huron, Michigan, while the three U.S. Coast Guardsmen on board the aircraft luckily managed to escape injury. The helicopter crashed into Lake Huron at approximately 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010, according to information provided by the Detroit Free Press.
Reports stated a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit HH-65C short-range recovery helicopter was in the air conducting practice “rescue hoists” with a Port Huron-based Coast Guard utility boat when the aircraft was suddenly downed. Three unidentified U.S. Coast Guard aviators were occupying the helicopter when it smashed into the lake and were able to quickly exit the damaged aircraft before it sank in the 50-foot deep water. The point of impact was located about nine miles away from Port Huron. Fortunately, the rapidly descending helicopter did not strike the 41-foot Coast Guard boat.
Though no injuries were reported with regard to the helicopter wreck, the three U.S. Coast Guardsmen were taken to area hospitals for evaluation. According to Jerry Popiel, the assistant chief of incident management for the Coast Guard’s 9th District, “At this time, we can’t say what caused the accident, really because we don’t know… Incidents like this typically happen very quickly.”
A three-mile safety zone was established around the helicopter crash site so investigators could begin their probe. Salvage procedures are expected to be underway as well.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan- Legal News for Michigan Aviation Accident Lawyers.
