Two police officers were killed Sunday morning after a helicopter crashed in a sugar cane field near Baton Rouge, La.
The Baton Rouge Police Department said the helicopter took off around 2:25 a.m. Sunday to assist in a vehicle pursuit but never returned to Baton Rouge Metro Airport. A search for the plane began a few hours later when the pilots failed to return home from work. The wreckage was found around 11 a.m. in a field near US Highway 190
“The incident is currently under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, as well as other bodies that regulate aeronautics and airspace,” the Baton Rouge Police Department said. “The entire BRPD family extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends and everyone touched by the life and service of these officers.”
According to FlightAware, the Robinson R-44 helicopter took off at 2:26 a.m. and crashed 12 minutes later. It was scheduled to land at nearby Omni Airport around 3:40am
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation into the crash, officials said.
On Monday, the FAA released a preliminary report that said the helicopter’s tail rotor struck a tree before the plane crashed.
The officers killed in the crash were not identified pending notification of next of kin.
“These officers have served our community with distinction and bravery, and we will forever be grateful for their service and sacrifice,” Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said in a statement.
“We are working closely with the Baton Rouge Police Department to assist in their investigation into the cause of this tragedy and to support the families and colleagues of the fallen officers.
“We ask the community to keep the families of the fallen officers in their thoughts and prayers, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the first responders who have worked tirelessly to support our city during this difficult time.”
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