Three Dead In Fiery Incident

The FAA has confirmed that three people, including one child, were killed when their Eurocopter EC135 impacted the ground near Tonto National Forest in Cave Creek, AZ.  The helo was flying about 35 miles north of Phoenix when it went down around 3pm on Sunday. 

The aircraft landed about 200 yards from the home of John and Cheri Hoeppner.  The couple reported hearing "an engine cutting out" before feeling the impact.  They rushed out to find the EC135 wreckage engulfed in flames.

File Photo of EC135

The EC135 was registered to Services Group of America in Scottsdale, AZ, a large food service and real estate business.  The company has not confirmed the identities of those aboard.

The EC135 is a light twin-engine multi-mission helicopter powered by either of two 2 Turbomeca Arrius 2B2 engines or Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B2 powerplants. Either engine produces max power of 816 shp. The EC135 sports an enclosed Fenestron in place of the more conventional tail-rotor, as well as a bearingless main rotor.

NTSB investigators are scheduled to inspect the scene on Monday.  FAA personnel were already being dispatched to assess the area.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov