nevadamedic
05-24-2007, 02:06 PM
It could be weeks before investigators with the National Transportation and Safety Board determine the exact cause of a deadly helicopter crash, but officials said preliminary reports don't indicate foul play.
The Air and Marine Operations aircraft plunged into someone's back yard on Petunia Drive in San Elizario around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. The broken tail of the Aerospeciale Astar (model AS-350) smashed a pickup truck that was parked in the yard.
The Office of Air and Marine Operations is a branch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and provides air support for CBP and the U.S. Border Patrol. Officials said the helicopter was on a surveillance mission at the time of the crash, assisting Border Patrol agents down below who were arresting three illegal immigrants who had crossed the river bank.
Several nearby residents said they saw the whole thing unfold.
"The helicopter made a U-turn. It looked like it was coming back to see what was going on with the agents and the illegal immigrants," said David Rocha.
"I saw it started spinning and spinning...then smoke was coming out. Then it suddenly stopped and dropped," said Patricia Escobar.
Officials said some of the agents witnessed the crash because they were so close to where it happened. They rushed to the scene to help, as did some of the neighbors. The National Guard was also side-by-side with paramedics and agents.
"One of the officers had blood all over his mouth while he was giving mouth to mouth to the officer in the helicopter," said Rocha.
"The plastic face lid on the helmet was busted on one of the guys. I think that's what cut him across the face," said Juan Munoz Chavez.
According to Border Patrol spokesman, Doug Mosier, on board the Aerospeciale Astar was the pilot, Robert F. Smith, 46, and a Border Patrol agent who was riding along as an observer. Both of them were rushed to Thomason Hospital by ambulance. Mosier said the pilot died from his injuries, and the other agent was in serious but stable condition.
Officials said Smith had been flying aircrafts for CBP since 1991, and was a veteran Navy pilot. He moved to El Paso in 1996. Smith leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 13 and 18.
NTSB is leading the investigation. Other agencies assisting with the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Federal Aviation Administration, and CBP.
Officials said internal investigators for CBP will be flying from Washington D.C. Wednesday. They said it could take up to six months for the full investigation to be completed.
http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/13370425/detail.html?subid=22105263&qs=1;bp=t
The good thing is that they got 3 illegals. You have to look at the positive in everything.
The Air and Marine Operations aircraft plunged into someone's back yard on Petunia Drive in San Elizario around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. The broken tail of the Aerospeciale Astar (model AS-350) smashed a pickup truck that was parked in the yard.
The Office of Air and Marine Operations is a branch of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and provides air support for CBP and the U.S. Border Patrol. Officials said the helicopter was on a surveillance mission at the time of the crash, assisting Border Patrol agents down below who were arresting three illegal immigrants who had crossed the river bank.
Several nearby residents said they saw the whole thing unfold.
"The helicopter made a U-turn. It looked like it was coming back to see what was going on with the agents and the illegal immigrants," said David Rocha.
"I saw it started spinning and spinning...then smoke was coming out. Then it suddenly stopped and dropped," said Patricia Escobar.
Officials said some of the agents witnessed the crash because they were so close to where it happened. They rushed to the scene to help, as did some of the neighbors. The National Guard was also side-by-side with paramedics and agents.
"One of the officers had blood all over his mouth while he was giving mouth to mouth to the officer in the helicopter," said Rocha.
"The plastic face lid on the helmet was busted on one of the guys. I think that's what cut him across the face," said Juan Munoz Chavez.
According to Border Patrol spokesman, Doug Mosier, on board the Aerospeciale Astar was the pilot, Robert F. Smith, 46, and a Border Patrol agent who was riding along as an observer. Both of them were rushed to Thomason Hospital by ambulance. Mosier said the pilot died from his injuries, and the other agent was in serious but stable condition.
Officials said Smith had been flying aircrafts for CBP since 1991, and was a veteran Navy pilot. He moved to El Paso in 1996. Smith leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 13 and 18.
NTSB is leading the investigation. Other agencies assisting with the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Federal Aviation Administration, and CBP.
Officials said internal investigators for CBP will be flying from Washington D.C. Wednesday. They said it could take up to six months for the full investigation to be completed.
http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/13370425/detail.html?subid=22105263&qs=1;bp=t
The good thing is that they got 3 illegals. You have to look at the positive in everything.