(Audubon) Audubon County Sheriff Todd Johnson tells KSOM/KS95 News two people died in the helicopter crash near the Audubon and Guthrie County line.
The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office received the call at around 4:27 p.m. of the crash at 240th and Robin Avenue. Sheriff Johnson says an individual in the area heard a loud sound and observed the helicopter crashing. The witness called 9-1-1, Guthrie County, received the call and forwarded the information to Audubon County. The Audubon and Exira Fire and Rescue units were dispatched to the area. When crews arrived they observed a helicopter on fire and the area around it on fire due to a downed powerline.
Sheriff Johnson says two individuals with Minnesota addresses perished in the fire. Authorities did not release their names pending notification of family. The FAA is investigating the crash, with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol Technical Investigation and the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office.
Rod Frank witnessed the crash. He tells KSOM/KS95 News he saw a low flying helicopter cross two transmission lines. The prop hit one of the lines and took the aircraft right down. The aircraft immediately became engulfed in flames. He says the debris struck a pickup passing through the area.
The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Guthrie County EMA, Audubon County EMA, Audubon Fire & Rescue, Exira Fire Department, Audubon County Secondary Roads, Iowa State Patrol, and the FAA. The accident remains under investigation.
