Hold onto your hats, Tampa Bay, because there’s been a dramatic turn of events as a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a Plant City field off County Road 39 on Wednesday afternoon.
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This afternoon, a Hillsborough County Sheriffβs Office helicopter was…
Publicado por Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office enΒ MiΓ©rcoles, 1 de mayo de 2024
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According to HCSO officials, Corporal Jeramy Butler and Sheriffβs Pilot Robert Bateman, the two pilots onboard, reported the emergency landing just after 4 p.m. as they were en route back to the David Gee Aviation Complex.
“The safety of our deputies and pilots is our top priority,” stated Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The helicopter will be grounded while a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident.”
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, although the helicopter sustained damage during the landing.
Butler, a seasoned member of the Aviation Unit since 2014, has had no reported flight incidents. Meanwhile, Bateman, who joined the Aviation Unit in 2021, has experienced one bird strike, according to officials.
The incident is now under investigation by both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
