Robinson R44 Reported Down In Charlotte County, Florida
Scene of the crash - source: news-press
There are reports that a helicopter has crashed near the Charlotte County line. The wreckage has been located. There were four people on board at the time and a passenger suffered a broken ankle and was airlifted from the scene. The remaining people suffered minor injuries and refused medical attention. It has been confirmed that it was a privately owned Robinson R44 and the crash was near Bermont Road.
The pilot said the reason for the crash was mechanical problems. He had lost power and attempted to do an auto-rotation but the tail hit a tree.
I believe the aircraft that crashed was N3038W, a 2007 R44 registered to J A J investments out of Naples, FL. This is the only aircraft registered to them.
Scene of the crash - source: abcactionnews
<news-press> (article no longer available)
Update: Changed to Charlotte County
Update 2: added more information above
Update 3: N135WJ was the medical helicopter that airlifted the passenger who broke his ankle. It’s a 2003 Eurocopter EC 135 P2 registered to CFS AIR.
Scene of the crash - source: abcactionnews
N135WJ HEMS removes the pilot that broke his ankle - source: naplesnews
Nice shot of the lifestar a/c used to airlift the injured passenger - source: runryder
[...] Update: The two on board were Americans and in fact were involved in a crash that vtolblog covered previously. When I read that they had crashed at Babcock ranch before it sounded familiar and sure enough, here is that post: link [...]