Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Drama as news helicopter crashes at the Oscars

Ap
Monday 27 March 2000 00:00 BST
Comments

A television helicopter covering the Oscars crashed in a ball of fire last night injuring a pilot and photographer.

A television helicopter covering the Oscars crashed in a ball of fire last night injuring a pilot and photographer.

The crash occurred in a helicopter landing area at the nearby Van Nuys Airport just after 10 p.m. shortl after a distress call was received by the airport.

The pilot, a 28-year-old woman, and the photographer, a 40-year-old man, were taken to hospital. The pilot was critical condition and the photographer had a broken leg.

The helicopter belonged to KTTV-TV in Los Angeles, a Fox affiliate. KTTV reported a pilot and photographer were aboard. Their names were not released.

KTTV anchorwoman Susan Hirasuna's voice nearly broke with emotion on Sunday night as she began to report a news story after word of the crash.

Steve Howell, aboard KTLA-TV's helicopter, said the KTTV helicopter pilot reported hydraulic problems as it arrived near the Shrine Auditorium, where the Academy Awards were being presented.

The KTTV helicopter headed toward Van Nuys Airport under escort by KCAL-TV's helicopter, Howell said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in