3 killed, 2 critically injured in two separate crashes on Soncy Road in Amarillo
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A loss of engine power due to poor maintenance caused a 2022 helicopter crash in New Mexico that claimed the lives of four Bernalillo County first responders as they were returning home from a firefighting mission, according to federal investigators.
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board issued a final report Wednesday. They also noted that a maneuver to account for the loss of power was complicated by the setting sun and low altitude and contributed to the crash of the Bell UH-1H helicopter.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the crash was devastating and deeply affected the department and the community.
Sheriff John Allen, when he took office in 2023, grounded the department’s air support unit and overhauled procedures. The yearlong effort included revamping guidelines and acquiring a new aircraft that meets safety standards.
In light of the NTSB findings, Allen said it was clear the decision to pause and overhaul the program “was not only necessary but critical.”
“We have taken every possible step to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again,” he said.
Killed in the crash were Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue Specialist Matthew King.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A loss of engine power due to poor maintenance caused a 2022 helicopter crash in New Mexico that claimed the lives of four Bernalillo County first responders as they were returning home from a firefighting mission, according to federal investigators.
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board issued a final report Wednesday. They also noted that a maneuver to account for the loss of power was complicated by the setting sun and low altitude and contributed to the crash of the Bell UH-1H helicopter.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the crash was devastating and deeply affected the department and the community.
Sheriff John Allen, when he took office in 2023, grounded the department’s air support unit and overhauled procedures. The yearlong effort included revamping guidelines and acquiring a new aircraft that meets safety standards.
In light of the NTSB findings, Allen said it was clear the decision to pause and overhaul the program “was not only necessary but critical.”
“We have taken every possible step to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again,” he said.
Killed in the crash were Undersheriff Larry Koren, Lt. Fred Beers, Deputy Michael Levison and Bernalillo County Fire Rescue Specialist Matthew King.
The crash marked the single deadliest incident for law enforcement in New Mexico history and one of the deadliest for first responders.
The crash marked the single deadliest incident for law enforcement in New Mexico history and one of the deadliest for first responders.
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