Helicopter Crash along Benton Crossing Road

On Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at approximately 12:30pm, Mono County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch received a call regarding a possible helicopter crash near Benton Crossing Road with reports that the helicopter was on fire.

Personnel from the Mono County Sheriff’s Department, Mammoth Lakes Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Mammoth Lakes Fire Department, Long Valley Fire Department, and Mono County Paramedics were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that a helicopter had crashed near Benton Crossing Road and Deer Springs Road. There were two occupants in the helicopter. They were airlifted via a Mammoth/Yosemite Airport helicopter back to the Mammoth/Yosemite Airport and taken via ambulance to Mammoth Hospital for treatment.

The crash caused a small brush fire that is currently being attended to by local fire agencies. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined and is currently under investigation by the FAA.

Prepared and written by: Jennifer Hansen, Public Information Officer