Background story:
Two survive helicopter crash in North Carolina
MCDOWELL CO. (WGHP) - Two men survived a helicopter crash Monday afternoon in McDowell County without serious injuries, officials said.
The crash happened near the McDowell/Buncombe County line. The cause of the crash has not been determined.
"We're fine... both of us are fine. Just a couple scratches, that's it," said Chris Dupree, the pilot. "We both know we are very fortunate."
Jean Paul Dame, the passenger on the helicopter, said the kudzu near the crash site may have saved their lives.
"When the blades first hit the kudzu, Chris said 'That's not good'... and then we just hit the ground," said Dame.
The two men then crawled out of the helicopter and climbed 100 feet to use their cell phones and call for help.
The FAA is currently investigating the accident.
I/C