OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A helicopter crash, involving one of the Omaha Police Department's Able 1 units took place at the Blair Airport this morning.
There are no injuries being reported at this time and there are no operational Able 1 units available after the crash. The Nebraska State Patrol is standing by to offer aerial support to the Omaha Police Department if necessary.
Back in April, OPD had another close call when one of their helicopters crashed, shortly after taking off.
See also: Able-1 down - OPD helicopter gets grounded after crash
Update 4:17 p.m.
The Omaha Police Department has released the following report:
On Friday, at approximately 9:48 a.m., Omaha Police Helicopter, Able-1, was approaching Blair Municipal Airport, located at 2375 N-133 in Blair, Nebraska, after completing routine patrol, when the aircraft's engine lost power causing the aircraft to rapidly descend from approximately forty (40) to fifty (50) feet in the air.
Upon impact, the aircraft came to rest on its side, suffering severe damage. The Aircraft is a 2008 Bell 206 JetRanger.
The Pilot in Command (PIC) was Officer Brian Yaghoutfam. Yaghoutfam is a 19-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department with twelve years assigned in the Air Support Unit, as a pilot.
The Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) was Officer Matthew Baughman. Baughman is a 19-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department with twelve and a half years assigned in the Air Support Unit, as a pilot.
Both Officers were transported for medical treatment, where they were both treated and released with minor injuries.
The Omaha Police Department has (1) one mission ready aircraft, that is currently under mandatory scheduled maintenance. The Omaha Police Department has been in contact with the Nebraska State Patrol who will assist in any emergency needs requiring air support.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
We'll have more on this story tonight on 3 News Now Live at 6 and 10 - Available on-air, on our website and on the 3 News Now apps for streaming and mobile devices.
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