The Inland Empire Crime Blog

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, at about 8:29 a.m, Sheriff’s Dispatch received several 911 calls reporting a helicopter had crashed in a field near Palmdale Road west of Aster in the county area of Adelanto. When deputies arrived at the scene. the aircraft was fully engulfed in flames. The San Bernardino County Fire Department extinguished the fire and deputies discovered the bodies of three adult males. A power line was down but no structures were damaged as this is a rural area with the nearest house several miles away. Deputies immediately contained the scene and notified the NTSB, FAA and Sheriff’s Aviation Division.

Through an investigation, it was learned the aircraft was a restored vintage 1940’s helicopter that had taken off from the Adelanto Airport enroute to Riverside for an upcoming air show in celebration of Veteran’s Day. It is believed at least one of the passengers on board was a veteran. The aircraft took off at about 8:20 a.m. and crashed within minutes. It appears the helicopter hit the power lines and investigators are trying to determine if there was a mechanical problem or if there were other factors that caused the aircraft to crash.

The investigation is being handled jointly by the NTSB and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Division. The names of those on board the aircraft will be released once family members have been notified.

Public Affairs Division
909-387-3700

ROD HOOPS, SHERIFF
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF-CORONER DEPARTMENT
c/o Public Affairs Division
655 East Third Street
San Bernardino, California 92415-0061
Telephone:  (909) 387-3700

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
Current Press Release
Fatal Helicopter Accident  –11/7/2009
PALMDALE ROAD WEST OF ASTER, COUNTY AREA OF ADELANTO  ,  Adelanto
VICTIM:              3 ADULT MALES, (IDENTITIES PENDING NOTIFICATION OF FAMILY)