Serious Injuries In Fiery Crash

ANN REALTIME Update, 0339, 071405: We now know that two Sheriff's deputies, both pilots, have been killed in this tragic accident. A third deputy is listed critical condition at Mercy San Juan Medical Center, after the crash, which occurred shortly after 1900, just north of Nimbus Dam, near Lake Natoma.

According to local media reports, one pilot was readying for a CFI checkride at the time of the accident. 

Sacremento Sheriff's Department Statement

Shortly after 7:10 p.m. this evening (7/13/05), Sacramento Sheriff’s Communications received a “mayday” call from Star6. The helicopter was having mechanical difficulties and they were making an emergency landing near Lake Natoma. The helicopter landed on a hillside when the tail end broke off sending the helicopter down the hillside.

When emergency personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered that three Sheriff’s Deputies were onboard what remained of the helicopter. A small fire broke out surrounding the crash site.

As a result of the accident, Deputy Joseph Kievernagel, a 17-year veteran, and Deputy Kevin Blount, a 7-year veteran, were killed. Deputy Eric Henrikson, a 7-year veteran, is at a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries.

Further investigation on the cause of this accident will be conducted by the Department, the NTSB and the FAA.

Due to the accident, the north side of the American River Bike Trail nearby will remained (sic) closed until the investigation is complete.

Sergeant R.L. Davis,
Sheriff's Spokesman

Original Report, 0015, 071405: Reports from California indicate that a Sacramento County Sheriff's Department has crashed in an arroyo with a post-crash fire burning. There has been some injury or loss of life. At least three urgent medical evacuation helicopters were summoned to the scene, along with fire and police personnel.

According to the Sacramento Bee's initial report, three people were injured -- one is in critical condition, two others have been given CPR.

The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department Air Support Bureau operates three modern five-seat Eurocopter EC120 helicopters as patrol units (photo), with a crew of two sworn Deputy Sheriffs, one trained as a pilot and the other as an air observer. In addition, the Bureau has two ex-Army UH-1H "Huey" helicopters that are used for emergency rescue, personnel transport, and other tasks requiring a bigger machine. The Bureau's crews fly about 1100 hours a year, mostly routine patrols.

Aero-News readers are reminded that initial reports of air accidents are frequently inaccurate.

FMI: www.sacsheriff.com