HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office helicopter was involved in an emergency landing during a flight Wednesday.
Investigators report that at 4:04 p.m., two pilots reported an emergency landing in a field off County Road 39 in Plant City.
They were traveling back to the David Gee Aviation Complex. Thankfully, the personnel on board were not injured, but the helicopter sustained damage.
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“The safety of our deputies and pilots is our top priority. The helicopter will be grounded while a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “HCSO is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards for its fleet and will take necessary steps to fully investigate the cause of the incident.”
Corporal Jeramy Butler was flying the aircraft, and Sheriff’s Pilot Robert Bateman was in the passenger seat.
Butler has been with the Aviation Unit since 2014 and has no reported flight incidents. Bateman has been with the Aviation Unit since 2021 and has experienced one bird strike.
This incident will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
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