11/04/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, US // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Meeker, CO—A helicopter crash Tuesday, November 2, 2010, injured a former KMGH 7News pilot and resulted in the death of his wife. The fatal aviation accident occurred around 3:15 p.m., about 10 miles northwest of Meeker, Colorado, according to information provided by MSNBC’s 9News.
Reports state former AirTracker7 pilot Rich Westra was piloting a private helicopter when it went down near Meeker Tuesday afternoon. Nearby oil field workers witnessed the aircraft crash and subsequently notified police.
Emergency medical services (EMS) crews responded to the scene and transported Rich Westra to Pioneers Hospital for treatment. While reports did not specify if his wife Kelly Westra was initially transported to a hospital after the crash, her injuries sadly proved fatal.
The helicopter reportedly struck some power lines, though a full investigation would be required to determine whether they contributed to the accident or if the aircraft was already on its way down at the time.
KMGH News Director Jeff Harris issued the following statement in connection with the deadly Colorado helicopter wreck:
“This afternoon, former AirTracker7 pilot Rich Westra was involved in a helicopter accident near Meeker on the Western Slope. He was surveying power lines with his wife, Kelly Westra, working on-board. The helicopter he was flying apparently hit some power lines and crashed. Kelly was killed. Rich was badly hurt. Pioneer Hospital in Meeker tells us he’s now in stable condition. This is difficult news. Our hearts go out to Rich and all of his family. For nearly 20 years now, Rich was a member of our 7News family. He still is. We will make sure he understands that as he makes his way through this difficult and painful time.”
Authorities from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to conduct a full probe into the helicopter accident.
Legal News Reporter: Sandra Quinlan– Legal News for Colorado Aviation Accident Lawyers.
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Url: Sandra Quinlan: West Palm Beach Injury News
