Army helicopter crashes in Pike County

Richard Everett
·1 min read

PIKE COUNTY, Ala (WDHN) — The Pike County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an Army helicopter crashed near Banks Friday afternoon.

Sgt. Sean Smith with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office tells WDHN the helicopter, a UH-72 Lakota from Fort Novosel, was on a training exercise when it crashed in a wooded area near County Road 4405 and Alabama Highway 130. The crash occurred around 2:35 p.m.

Sgt. Smith says only the pilot and one other crew member were on board at the time of the crash and seemed to suffer only minor injuries. Both were transported to a hospital for treatment via medical helicopter from Fort Novosel.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown, but officials believe wind gusts may have played a part.

Officials with Fort Novosel say the Lakota was damaged, but there have been no reports of damages to personal property or civilian injuries.

Stay with WDHN for updates.

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