Helicopter pilot survives fiery crash in Danbury, N.H.

DANBURY, N.H. — A helicopter pilot who was attempting to land in Danbury, New Hampshire lost control and crashed near a home in Danbury, New Hampshire on Saturday.

The pilot was pulled from the wreckage with injuries but rescuers say he was conscious. breathing and alert when he was taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment. The pilot’s name was not released.

The crash happened at 12:45 p.m. near 208 Dean Road in Danbury. Rescue crews from Bristol, Hew Hampshire say the helicopter was “actively burning” when E.M.S. crews arrived.

The F.A.A. says the helicopter was a Hughes TH-55. Federal investigators said a preliminary accident/incident report into the crash should be available on Monday.

The two-seater TH-55 Osage was first flown in 1956 and was used by the military as a training helicopter. Many of them have since found their way into civilian use.

“The initial investigation indicates the helicopter pilot lost control near a landing site and crashed into the wood line of the residential property,” according to a statement from New Hampshire State Police. Investigators did not say where the pilot had taken off from.

Mark Ramsey, a retired Coast Guard pilot, said the he heard the chopper making swooping maneuverers before the sound of rotors hitting tree limbs. The helicopter came to a rest 100 yards from his home.

Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen the crash to call the Danbury Police Department.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have taken over as leads in the investigation.

The N.T.S.B. said the aircraft will be taken to an offsite facility for further examination. The N.T.S.B said the helicopter went down “under unknown circumstances.”

“A preliminary report will be available within 30 days; it can be accessed by searching our investigations database with the date and location of the accident,” according to a statement from the N.T.S.B.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

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