Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Helicopter Crash Update

I wanted to post a quick update on the helicopter crash. There were 13 people on board, and only 4 survived. The helicopter was totally consumed in flames, so for now they're reporting that the nine others are missing and presumed dead. Michael and his pilot had just lifted off heading for the same hill the helicopter that crashed had just lifted off from to pick up firefighters. The crash happened right as Michael took off, so Michael's helicopter was first on the scene. They ended up acting as air attack. Air attack is normally a plane that flies over a fire when there are multiple and varied aircraft flying at once to act as air traffic control basically. The air attack plane had already left the fire for the day, so Michael and his pilot flew over the wreckage and helped guide in the emergency crews and the medivac helicopters that came in to transport the survivors. He still was able to start his trip home today. They left at about four o'clock and will go into Reno tonight and then make the flight from Reno to Cedar tomorrow morning. I guess it's about a four hour flight for them tomorrow. So anyway, that's a little more information. There's a lot of information available on the internet now as well.

4 comments:

sladefamilyaz said...

This is Bryant on Jessica's account. I am glad that I looked at your blog. I had just read on Yahoo about the crash and had a terrible sick feeling that it might be Michael's crew so I checked in. I am sad that it happened, but relieved Mike wasn't involved. I'm glad to hear he is on his way home. I hope all is well with you and the boys. Our prayers are with you guys.

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sad to hear about this tragedy. I know firefighters are a brotherhood even if they don't know one another personally. We'll be thinking of you and praying for you, and we are very, very thankful that Michael will be home tomorrow. Love, A. Gwen

Amanda said...

As Mom said we know that the firefighters are a brotherhood. I can't begin to imagine how hard that this is for Mike. I am so thankful to hear that he is on his way home to you as well. You will all be in our prayers, as well as the families of the fighters that were in the helicopter.

Shan Reid said...

Thank you everyone. Your prayers and well wishes are appreciated so much.