Two employees of Copper Valley Electric Association were shaken, but uninjured Wednesday morning when the helicopter they were riding in crashed after take-off from the Valdez Airport.
According to a CVEA press release, the two employees were flying out to perform an aerial patrol of the transmission line at about 9:30 am Wednesday.
The helicopter contracted to take them on patrol reached about 75 feet in altitude, lost power and began free-falling to the ground. When the helicopter crashed its tail section broke off.
The CVEA release says although the two employees were not seriously injured, they were examined by a local physician. It also says the pilot of the aircraft was apparently uninjured.
And subsequent information from Allie Hendrickson, Public Information Officer for the City of Valdez states that a bystander called Valdez Police and Fire Dispatch to report the incident involving a Vertical Solutions aircraft.
No EMS/Fire assistance was requested or appeared to be needed. A Police officer was dispatched to ensure scene safety and confirm report of the incident.
There were no reported injuries or reported damage to airport property or the tarmac.
The incident did not impact aircraft traffic at the Valdez Airport on Wednesday.
Marcia Lynn is a reporter at KBBI in Homer.
