Grand Canyon Sightseeing Helicopter ‘Hard Landing’ – Seven Taken to Hospital | US News

Seven people were injured after a Grand Canyon sightseeing helicopter made a “hard landing” at an airport on the edge of Las Vegas.

The pilot and six passengers were taken to the hospital after the crash at Boulder City Airport around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) refers to it as a crash-on-landing, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) refers to it as a “hard landing.”

There were no reports of the fire, and Boulder City spokeswoman Lisa LaPlante said the injuries were not life-threatening.

picture:
The helicopter seen after the incident.Image: Boulder City, Nevada

Air traffic database FlightAware reported that the helicopter took off 25 minutes from near Kingman, Arizona, and was destined for Boulder City Airport.

The operator of the helicopter is an Airbus EC130 T2, yes las vegasBased on a helicopter tour of Papillon Grand Canyon, the NTSB said.

Bus and air tours of nearby canyons are popular with visitors to the gambling mecca.

The FAA is investigating the cause, and the National Transportation Safety Board said a preliminary report should be released in about three weeks.

The Boulder, Nevada, Facebook page said: “A scenic helicopter returned from a routine tour of the Grand Canyon late this afternoon. There was a pilot and six passengers on board.

“For reasons currently unknown, the helicopter made a hard landing. The Boulder City Fire Department arrived and determined that all seven people were non-life threatening.

“They were taken to Sunrise Hospital and Siena Hospital for treatment. Special thanks to the Boulder City Police for securing the scene, and the Henderson Fire Department and Community Ambulance for assisting in treating the injured.

“As per protocol for aircraft accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board has been contacted and will handle the investigation.”

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