Crash of Firefighting Helicopter Under Investigation

A mechanical malfunction has been cited as the cause of a crash of a firefighting helicopter working on the Zaca fire in Santa Barbara, Calif. last week. Minor injuries were suffered by the pilot and co-pilot but the Sikorsky CH-54A Skycrane and other helicopters involved in fighting the fire were grounded for that day. According to the preliminary report, the aircraft started an “uncommanded slow rollover to the right” moments before the crash. The mechanism that controls the helicopter was found on the ground about six feet away. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation by the NTSB and the FAA. For related news