Helicopter had ‘mechanical problems’ before Griffith Park crash
A helicopter on a routine flight over Los Angeles made a “hard landing” in Griffith Park around 2:17 p.m. Thursday after experiencing “mechanical problems,” fire officials said.
The pilot and three passengers, who were not immediately identified, were treated at the scene and released, according to L.A. Fire Department spokesman Jamie Moore.
The helicopter was on a “routine flight” from Redlands, circled Santa Monica and was preparing to head back to the Inland Empire when it began experiencing mechanical trouble, Moore said.
The pilot set the craft down on its skids in an area with hilly terrain and crisscrossed by hiking trails. The helicopter, a Rotocraft R44 II, then tipped on its side and eventually began to leak fuel.
The pilot helped the three passengers exit the craft, and firefighters arrived soon after.
Federal aviation records show the helicopter is registered to Mile High Rotors LLC based in Colorado. The craft’s airworthiness certificate is valid but set to expire at the end of the month, records show.
A park ranger was airlifted to a local hospital for evaluation after suffering heat exhaustion, Moore said.
It is unclear what caused the helicopter to crash. Officials from the Federal Aviation Authority are expected to investigate the cause.
ALSO:
Police dive into La Brea Tar Pits in cold-case evidence hunt
Jefferson Airplane drummer Joey Covington killed in car crash
Funeral services Sunday for two sisters killed in fiery O.C. crash
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
