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Trooper survives NC Highway Patrol helicopter crash

The crash is under investigation

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WNCN

The Wilson Daily Times, N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. — A state trooper was unharmed when an N.C. Highway Patrol helicopter he was piloting crashed during a Sunday afternoon training exercise.

The aircraft, a 1971 model Bell 260B helicopter in the Highway Patrol’s fleet, went down while returning to the Highway Patrol’s hangars. The chopper struck several trees on its descent and came to rest upright on Tryon Road in southwest Raleigh, state officials said in a Sunday news release.

1st Sgt. Chris Knox said the pilot, Trooper B.K. Jones, was the only person inside the aircraft. Medics evaluated him for injuries at the crash scene.

“We are truly grateful for the health and safety of Trooper B.K. Jones after today’s helicopter crash in Raleigh,” Highway Patrol commander Col. Glenn McNeill said in a prepared statement. “We are often reminded of the inherent dangers our members face as part of their daily pursuit to keep our communities safe. We look forward to a transparent investigation into today’s crash and we welcome all findings that we hope can further our quest for the safe operation of the patrol’s Aviation Unit.”

Knox said the Highway Patrol’s reconstruction unit will investigate the crash along with teams from the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.

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(c)2020 The Wilson Daily Times (Wilson, N.C.)

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