CHP Patrolman Killed When Hit by Copter Blade
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VACAVILLE, Calif. — A California Highway Patrol officer was killed Monday when he was hit in the head by the rotor blade of a helicopter he had been riding in, the CHP said.
The 20-year CHP veteran had been a passenger in the helicopter and had taken aerial photographs of a three-car crash on Interstate 80 near Vacaville. The CHP said he was walking away from the helicopter to deliver the film when the accident occurred.
The officer, who was wearing a helmet, was identified as George Butler, 52, of Napa.
“I saw him walk up the embankment and right into the rotor blades,” said CHP Officer Michael A. Vieria, who investigated the three-vehicle accident.
The CHP said the accident involved a truck that hit the back of a car, which then burst into flames.
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