Flight Standards District Office: FAA Seattle FSDO-01
http://www.asias.faa.gov/N88771
FREEMAN DOUGLAS G: http://registry.faa.gov/N88771
KINGSTON, Wash. - A helicopter crashed Saturday into Puget Sound waters near Kingston off the Kitsap Peninsula, but all occupants of the aircraft were able to escape and get to shore with the help of local residents, authorities said.
The chopper lost altitude rapidly during an apparent landing attempt and hit the water at about 3:27 p.m. Saturday about 30 feet offshore, in water that is only a few feet deep, about 1½ miles north of Kingston.
The helicopter sunk after hitting the water, but all three of its occupants were able to escape and make it to shore, said Michele Laboda of North Kitsap Fire & Rescue.
Two bystanders quickly leapt into action, entered the water and helped the occupants to safety as firefighters arrived on scene.
One of the rescuers told KOMO News that the chopper was on its side and the water was up to the chins of victims still trapped when they got there.
Two of three occupants - the pilot and a woman passenger - were uninjured. Another woman was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, Laboda said.
Only a small amount of aviation fuel leaked from the helicopter. Firefighters deployed absorbent material around the source to contain it.
It is not immediately known what caused the chopper to go down.
There will be a salvage operation to recover the helicopter, and deputies will also try to preserve evidence for federal aviation authorities to investigate, said Scott Wilson of the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office.
Story, Photo Gallery and Comments: http://www.komonews.com
KINGSTON, Wash. - Officials say a helicopter crashed in the water off the Kitsap Peninsula, but the occupants escaped with minor injuries.
Sheriff's Deputy Scott Wilson says the helicopter landed north of Kingston on Saturday afternoon about 25 to 40 yards offshore, in water that is only a few feet deep. He said there were three or four people on board, and they all managed to make it to shore with minor injuries.
It wasn't clear what caused the crash. Wilson said the sheriff's office had a boat on the way, and that while there would be a salvage operation to recover the helicopter, deputies would also try to preserve evidence for federal aviation authorities to investigate.
Story, Video and Photo Gallery: http://www.king5.com
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