2 Survive Helicopter Crash-Landing
The pilot of a helicopter and his father survived a crash-landing Saturday after the pilot lost control of the helicopter and landed in the back yard of his brother’s home. Pilot Danny Estes, 37, of Valencia took off from Van Nuys Airport in a Robinson R-22 helicopter with his father, Pat Estes, 66, of Van Nuys on board.
About 1 p.m., the younger Estes attempted to land but lost control of the aircraft and crashed into his brother’s back yard in the 6900 block of Sierra Highway, said Sgt. Ron Spear of Sheriff’s Information Bureau.
The pilot and his father were taken to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and suffered only minor injuries, a nursing supervisor said. No one on the ground was injured.
Police estimated damage to the helicopter at $80,000. There was no damage to any structures, Spears said.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, he said.
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