SAPD helicopter makes crash landing
Updated: 2/19/2004 8:00:53 AM
By: News 9 San Antonio Staff
San Antonio Police Department Chief Albert Ortiz called today's emergency landing "textbook."
He said both pilots, who were identified as Edward Ramirez, Jr. and Mike Welborn, reacted calmly when they were forced to set down the SAPD helicopter known as Eagle.
The pair attempted to make the landing in the H-E-B parking lot at 735 SW Military Dr., near Pleasanton Road, when parts of the aircraft caught on power lines, officials said.
The helicopter skid across the H-E-B parking lot.
The two pilots experienced engine trouble about one minute after launching from Stinson Airport to assist in a chase, officials said.
Witnesses on the ground said they heard a loud 'bang' and then saw flames coming from the helicopter.
The copter skid across the South Side grocery store parking lot and landed in some debris.
Area police officers along with San Antonio Fire Department rescue crews responded to the crash site.
Neither pilot was seriously injured, but both were taken to the hospital for observation.
The Federal Aviation and National Transportation Safety Board were notified of the accident and will conduct their routine investigations.
SAPD also confirmed this particular aircraft has the same tail number as one that was involved in a similar emergency land in April 2003 at the Alamodome.
Authorities said the helicopter — which is one of four in the fleet — is beyond repair. Estimated costs, including police equipment, is about $1 million.
Police said all of their helicopters receive inspections every 100 hours of airtime.
Both pilots have more than 10 years experience.
Ramirez has been an Eagle pilot for three years. Welborn, a 26-year-old veteran with the force, has flown in the fleet for seven years, officials said.
Fellow pilot Sgt. David Torres, who saw the pilots shortly after their crash, said their concerns for the helicopter and the chase they originally launched to assist.