Hospitalized, In Stable Condition Near Santa Rosa, Florida

Two U.S. Navy pilots involved in a hard landing at Outlying Field Santa Rosa (OLF), a training area in East Milton, Florida, used extensively by NAS Whiting Field, are in the hospital and reported to be in stable condition.

Morgan Galvin, spokesman for CNATRA, the Chief of Naval Air Training unit based at Corpus Christi, Texas, said the Navy is unable to discuss any specifics regarding the medical conditions of the two due to restrictions by HIPAA regulations.

"However, we can confirm that both individuals involved are currently in stable condition," he said in an email.

CNATRA is conducting an inquiry into the cause of the crash of the TH-73A Thrasher helicopter and also the environmental cleanup and recovery of the badly damaged aircraft.

Although the names of the pilots have not yet been released, one is an instructor and the other is a student. A helicopter of Training Air Wing FIVE experienced a hard landing, and initial reports from the scene appear to indicate there was a mishap while attempting to land.

A recovery effort and investigation of the incident are underway, according to NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs Officer Jamie Coffey. Circumstances surrounding the incident and the condition of the helo are being investigated.

The hard landing occurred on June 2, and Coffeey said that as of the morning of June 3, the helicopter was still in the location it came down. It has been defueled and an environmental assessment was being performed before its removal.

FMI:  www.navy.com/