Helicopter Wash Blows Away Hurricane Helene Resources

A North Carolina National Guard chopper was attempting to deliver a generator to Hurricane Helene victims on October 6. Unfortunately, the mission took a turn for the worse when the helicopter’s rotor wash blew away the donation center’s resource supply… It’s the thought that counts.

The Guard later worked with the local civilian organization involved to locate losses.

“The crew immediately identified the situation, aborted the landing for safety reasons, and departed the area,” the North Carolina National Guard said in a statement on social media Tuesday. The event is under investigation and the crew is grounded until the investigation is completed, the statement said.

Footage from the event has made its way onto social media. It shows a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter hovering low above a parking lot, which was filled with volunteer supplies. The rotorcraft started to descend and its rotor wash immediately turned the pile into projectiles, launching tents and other goods in all directions.

The crew ended up abandoning the mission after determining that there were too many people in the area to ensure a safe landing.

“Safety is the NCNG’s number one priority, especially with the high volume of air operations currently happening across the region,” the NC National Guard continued. “While the NCNG strives for precision in every mission, sometimes things don’t go as planned.”

Currently, upwards of 1,700 North Carolina Guardsmen are participating in recovery and rescue missions in the area. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding, property damage, and casualties throughout the state.

“The people of Western North Carolina are strong, and they deserve every bit of help we can get them,” commented Governor Roy Cooper. “I’m so grateful for everyone stepping up to help as we dig out from this unprecedented storm.”

FMI: www.ng.nc.gov