Helicopter crash near Greenville

Authorities said a helicopter trimming trees for electrical purposes crashed around 11 a.m. behind the residences of 2668 and 2670 Cold Springs Road near Greenville.

The pilot, whose name has not been released, has been airlifted to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville with unknown injuries, according to Virginia State Police Trooper Doug Brydge.

First Sgt. Scott VanLear said the initial evidence on the scene points to engine failure as the cause of the crash.

“It seems the pilot was going for fuel and he lost all power,“ VanLear said.

The pilot, VanLear said, was trimming trees near power lines on behalf of Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative.

The helicopter, owned by Aerial Solutions, Inc. of Tabor City, N.C., is a Hughes 369D, two-seat Rotorcraft with a turbo-shaft engine, according to its Federal Aviation Administration registry. The maroon helicopter, with gold and silver bands on it, has sustained damage. The propeller and tail has been mangled, with the helicopter sitting upright, but on its side.

Power lines run past the house, about 500 feet from where the helicopter crashed. The helicopter has a 80 foot extension with blades on the end.

Ted McAllister, general manager with Aerial Solutions, said the company, which does work in at least 20 states, has operated since 1985 and provides a tree trimming service available to utility companies. He said it was not the company’s first such crash, but added that none have been fatal.

The device being used on the helicopter, McAllister said, is called an aerial saw, which hangs down for 90 feet below the helicopter, which flies about 200 to 300 feet above ground, moving methodically along the tree line. The company works in limited access areas, he said.

While he declined to identify the identity of the pilot, McAllister said he is a “very well experienced pilot.“

“Our prayers go with the pilot,“ McAllister said.

The tree trimming operation there was a two-man operation, with one on the ground with a truck. A mechanic was also nearby that responded quickly, McAllister said. He added that the helicopter and crew had been in Virginia for several weeks doing tree trimming projects, including one up toward Waynesboro.

The Virginia State Police, Augusta County rescuers and the Stuarts Draft Volunteer Rescue Squad are among those on scene, as well as the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Stay with The News Virginian online for continuous updates from the scene.