Pilot Injured After Tree-Harvesting Helicopter Crashes in Orting Parking Lot
A helicopter conducting tree-harvesting operations crashed into a parking lot near Orting, Washington. The pilot was hospitalized with moderate, non-life-threatening injuries.
· AllSeattle
Pilot Injured After Tree-Harvesting Helicopter Crashes in Orting Parking Lot
A helicopter involved in tree-harvesting operations crashed into a parking lot near Orting, Washington, on Saturday morning, November 7, leaving its pilot injured and prompting a response from local firefighters.
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched at approximately 10:35 a.m. to the 13900 block of McCutcheon Road East after receiving reports of the crash.
Pilot Rescued and Taken to Hospital
When firefighters arrived, they found the helicopter in a parking lot after what officials described as a hard landing. The aircraft was leaking fuel, and the pilot was trapped inside the wreckage.
Firefighters extricated the pilot, who was the only person aboard. Paramedics provided treatment at the scene before transporting the pilot to a nearby hospital.
The pilot suffered moderate injuries that were reported as non-life-threatening. Authorities have not publicly released the pilot's identity or provided further details about their condition.
Suspected Engine Failure Under Investigation
Preliminary information from emergency responders indicates that the helicopter may have experienced an engine failure before making the hard landing.
The aircraft had reportedly been conducting tree-harvesting operations at a nearby tree farm shortly before the crash.
Fire crews contained the fuel leak and secured the surrounding area to reduce potential hazards and preserve the scene for investigators.
FAA and NTSB Notified
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were notified of the incident.
The cause of the crash has not been officially determined. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft and gather information to establish what led to the suspected mechanical failure.
Officials have not yet released the helicopter's model or identified the company operating the aircraft.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Source: www.fox13seattle.com