Pilot escapes crash of crop dusting helicopter without serious injury

(WOWT)
Published: Jul. 27, 2019 at 5:01 PM CDT
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

The pilot of a crop-dusting helicopter was air-lifted to the hospital after a crash in a Washington County field Saturday afternoon. Authorities tell 6 News he was conscious, complaining of back pain but otherwise in good condition when transported.

Emergency crews were alerted to a possible helicopter down around 4:30 p.m.

Officials say the pilot's crop-dusting helicopter got too low to the ground and then went down in the field near County Roads 33 and 38.

After the crash the pilot had called friends who alerted law enforcement.

Authorities had difficulty locating the crash site due to the terrain.

Washington County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Brian Beckman said, "As you can see, you can't see anything from out here and getting someone to coordinate exactly where he was at was the hardest part."

Authorities said the pilot, the lone occupant of the helicopter, was taken by LifeNet to Omaha for treatment.

Sgt. Beckman told 6 News the pilot "was very lucky," to have escaped without more serious injuries.

Officials from Kennard, Bennington Fire and the Washington County Sheriff's Office all responded to the incident.

The pilot was not immediately identified.