FAA continues investigation into helicopter crash

COLUMBIA-The Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation into Tuesday’s helicopter crash in Columbia is ongoing, said Elizabeth Corey, a spokeswoman for the agency.

On Tuesday a Bell helicopter owned by Triple S Hauling crashed into a grassy field behind its office building at 2604 N. Stadium Blvd. Billy Sapp, Roy Poe and Alan Barnes are listed as the owners of Triple S Hauling on the business’ license. They could not be reached for comment.

The pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, was taken by private vehicle to the Boone Hospital Center and treated for minor cuts to his face, Columbia police Capt. Zim Schwartze said.

Corey declined to release the name of the pilot who was injured in the crash and said the investigation would be completed by the end of the month.

Witnesses said the helicopter bounced off the ground a few times before falling over on its side. After the crash, the pilot was able to climb out of the helicopter and was seen walking around.

Tuesday’s crash brings the number of aviation crashes in Columbia up to five over the past 10 years, according to the National Transportation Safety Board’s Web site, including one in which a pilot died.