Full Notification

On Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at approximately 0930 hours, Valdez Police responded to a report of a helicopter crash at the Valdez Airport (Pioneer Field). A bystander called Valdez Police and Fire Dispatch to report the incident involving a Vertical Solutions aircraft. No EMS/Fire assistance requested or appeared to be needed. Police officer dispatched to ensure scene safety and confirm report of the incident. No reported injuries. No reported damage to airport property or tarmac. No reported impact to aircraft traffic at the airport.

Please feel free to call or email City PIO Allie Hendrickson at [email protected] with any questions regarding the City’s response to the incident.

See below for Copper Valley Electric Association's Press Release.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2015
11:30 am
Contact: Sharon Crisp, 822-5506/835-7005, [email protected]

Helicopter Flight to Patrol the CVEA Transmission Line Crashes,
Leaving Two CVEA Employees Shaken, But Uninjured
Earlier this morning, Wednesday, December 16, two CVEA employees were involved in a helicopter crash at the Valdez Airport as they were taking off to perform an aerial patrol of the transmission line. At roughly 9:30 am, as the helicopter that was contracted to take them on patrol reached approximately 75 feet in altitude, the helicopter lost power resulting in the aircraft free-falling to the ground. The crash resulted in the tail section separating from the aircraft.
The two CVEA employees suffered no serious injuries, but will be examined by a local physician to ensure they are okay. As we understand it, the pilot of the aircraft is also uninjured. The Cooperative is very concerned about this incident as it relates to the safety of everyone involved, and we are extremely thankful our employees appear to be without injury.
If you have questions or comments regarding this news release or any other CVEA topic, contact Sharon Crisp at 822-5506, 835-7005, or email [email protected].