Helicopter crash lands near Winthrop ice rink; no injuries

Okanogan County Sheriff Tony Hawley said two passengers on the aircraft were unhurt.

  • By Wire Service
  • Sunday, January 10, 2021 11:20am
  • Northwest

Associated Press

WINTHROP, Wash. — Officials in Okanogan County say a small helicopter crash-landed near an ice rink and a hotel in a northern Washington town but that no one was hurt.

The county sheriff’s office confirmed Saturday’s crash landing in the town of Winthrop to KREM-TV. Witnesses told the station that children and adults had just been using the outdoor rink when the crash occurred at about 12:30 p.m.

Sheriff Tony Hawley said two passengers on the aircraft were unhurt. It wasn’t known why the helicopter was attempting a landing in the area.

The helicopter’s listed owner, Darrington-based Hi Line Helicopters Inc., declined comment.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. It said the Hughes 369D helicopter hit a snowbank while attempting to land.

Winthrop is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) northwest of Seattle.

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