CLE ELUM, Wash. – A rescue operation near Little Kachess Lake in Kittitas County turned eventful when an air ambulance tipped over while attempting to land.
According to a release by the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), deputies were called on September 23 around 8 p.m., after a camper failed to return home as planned.
The camper had sustained a significant accidental cut, leading to serious bleeding.
Deputies, guided by the family’s information, located the injured man and called medics to the scene. Due to the severity of his condition, an airlift was arranged.
KCSO said Airlift Northwest’s helicopter arrived at a gravel parking area near exit 62 off I-90 at 11:02 p.m.
While attempting to land, the helicopter tipped onto its right side. Fortunately, the crew managed to extricate themselves without injury or further property damage aside from the helicopter itself.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the incident.
The injured camper was taken by ambulance to a hospital in the Snoqualmie area for further treatment, KCSO added.
