Woman Passenger Was Injured When The Helo Went Down

A Robinson R-22 (similar aircraft pictured) flown by a Connecticut state legislator went down in a wooded area Saturday, resulting in the injury of his female passenger.

The aircraft was being flown by Republican State Representative Bill Wadsworth, who reportedly sustained minor injuries in the accident. Television station WPIX reports that the passenger, Irene Van, was alert and conscious when she was taken by an ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.

The accident occurred about 1840 EDT Saturday. Television station WVIT reports that Wadsworth had just taken off from his house, something he did on a regular basis, according to local authorities.

Fire Chief Timothy Vibert said the Robby's rotors narrowly missed hitting power lines as the helo went down. The FAA initial report indicates the aircraft sustained "substantial" damage, and media photographs bear that out. The tail boom reportedly separated from the main fuselage as a result of the accident.

The 2006 Robinson helicopter is registered to Helikat LLC in Farmington, CT.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov