Pilot injured in ‘experimental ultralight’ helicopter crash near Weiser
A lightweight one-person helicopter lost power and crashed near the Weiser Municipal Airport on Tuesday afternoon, leaving the pilot in the hospital.
The Weiser Police Department said it responded to a field near the airport at about 2:07 p.m. and found the “experimental ultralight coaxial helicopter” broken, with the pilot conscious and responsive outside the cockpit.
According to the pilot’s account of the crash, the engine suddenly lost power shortly after takeoff while at an altitude of 100 to 200 feet, police said.
The pilot, who holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and multiple commercial ratings, attempted an emergency maneuver with the rotors when the engine cut out, but that was unsuccessful and resulted in a hard landing, according to authorities.
Police said the Washington County Paramedics transported the man to Weiser Memorial Hospital after treating his injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
