Pilots Have Been Grounded Pending An Investigation

A video on You Tube shows a Navy MH-60 helicopter nearly going down in Lake Tahoe before the pilots recover and depart the area.

You Tube Video Frame Capture

A Navy spokesman told The Sacramento Union-Tribune that the pilots involved have been grounded while an aviation mishap board investigates the incident.

The video, dated September 14th, shows two helicopters over the water. One is in a hover, and one is spinning. The spinning aircraft then appears to touch the water before the pilot is able to recover and return to a hover just above the surface. The aircraft then depart the frame. The helicopter is largely obscured when it is closest to the water due to the spray generated by the rotor wash.

MH-60 File Photo

The paper reported that the Navy confirmed that the aircraft are attached to North Island Helicopter Maritime Strike 41 squadron. They were reportedly being flown back to San Diego following an air show near Sacramento.

The aircraft suffered damage that was estimated at between $50,000 and $500,000. The pilots reportedly landed at Lake Tahoe Airport, and different pilots were assigned continue the return trip.

FMI: www.navy.mil