At approximately 10:30 today, the Peoria Police Department contacted the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office Communications Center to report a helicopter down in a wilderness area north of Lake Pleasant. The Department of Public Safety, Peoria Police Department and Phoenix Fire Department were already heading
towards the area to confirm the reported crash.
Within minutes, EMS personnel on scene did confirm a helicopter crash in an area south of Champie Ranch Road, several miles east of Castle Hot Springs Road. Initial reports indicate the helicopter, with only a pilot on board, may have struck power lines in the area. At this time, it appears the crash occurred within the boundaries of Yavapai County.
YCSO personnel have confirmed that the pilot, a male, has died on scene as a result of injuries sustained from the crash. His identity is being withheld pending notification to family members. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been notified.
