Helicopter Crash in the Buffalo
Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2009 4:37 pm
At 1:22 p.m. today, an Arkansas Air National Guard helicopter experienced mechanical failure, losing power and autorotated into the Buffalo River at Buffalo Point in Marion County.
The three crewmembers were able to reach shore without assistance; two are hospitalized, one sustaining serious injury in the crash.
National Park Service, Arkansas State Police, Marion County Sheriff' and Ralph Caney Fire Department were on scene within minutes of the incident to assist.
There is little potential for a fuel spill, since the chopper was equipped with a self-sealing fuel system. The river from state Highway 14 bridge to Buffalo Point is closed to river traffic. The gravel bar and parking lot at Buffalo Point are closed until further notice.
The UH-58 helicopter was on a routine mission between Clinton and Flippin Airport for the 12th Judicial Task Force, National Park Service and Arkansas State Police when the incident occurred.
The three crewmembers were able to reach shore without assistance; two are hospitalized, one sustaining serious injury in the crash.
National Park Service, Arkansas State Police, Marion County Sheriff' and Ralph Caney Fire Department were on scene within minutes of the incident to assist.
There is little potential for a fuel spill, since the chopper was equipped with a self-sealing fuel system. The river from state Highway 14 bridge to Buffalo Point is closed to river traffic. The gravel bar and parking lot at Buffalo Point are closed until further notice.
The UH-58 helicopter was on a routine mission between Clinton and Flippin Airport for the 12th Judicial Task Force, National Park Service and Arkansas State Police when the incident occurred.