A U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter returning from Olympic security operations crashed this morning 40 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Utah. Preliminary reports are that three members of the five person crew were injured in the crash.
The helicopter was one of two making the cross country flight from the Pacific Northwest to their home base in Elizabeth City, NC. The second helicopter recovered two of the injured while the third injured crew member was recovered by a MEDEVAC helicopter. The remaining two crew members will be leaving the scene with ground rescue personnel.
A Coast Guard C-130 aircraft based at Air Station Sacramento transporting personnel and equipment from Olympic security operations to the East Coast was also in the area and assisted with communications and coordination of the rescue efforts.
The two helicopters had refueled in Salt Lake City and were on the way to Denver when the accident occurred.
Editors Note: This report is based on a Coast Guard Fact Sheet and an official report will be issued later today.
