Fisherman rescued after private helicopter tumbles into Alpine County river
ALPINE COUNTY – An overdue fisherman was located and rescued after his privately owned helicopter fell into a Northern California river after the riverbank fell out on Tuesday, deputies said.
An overdue fisherman was reported to have flown his helicopter to the East Carson River on Tuesday.
While responding to the scene, the man was able to call dispatch and provide deputies with his location.
Deputies soon learned that the man successfully landed the helicopter on the bank of the river before spending the day fishing.
As he started the helicopter to leave the river, a portion of the riverbank the helicopter was sitting on gave way, deputies said. The helicopter then tumbled into the river.
The man was able to get out of the helicopter and swam to shore. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
The helicopter remains in the river but is not leaking any fluids and isn't submerged in the water. Coordination efforts are underway to remove it from the water.