Two escape serious injury in helicopter crash at Nashua, NH

[Heli-Ops]

NASHUA -- Two people amazingly avoided serious injury when the helicopter in which they were riding crashed at Nashua Airport's Boire Field yesterday morning.

The Robinson R22 two-seater was hovering 10 to 15 feet off the ground then plunged near runway 32R, said Fire Lt. Rick Conway.

Firefighters found the helicopter on its left side but it was unclear last night whether it had rolled onto its side after the crash or fallen that way. The crash was in an infield off the runway and both people were out of the helicopter when rescuers arrived.

???We respond out there probably on a weekly basis for aircraft emergency whether perceived or not and when you hear ???Alert 4' it definitely kicks it up a notch -- that's a confirmed crash,??? Conway said.

The airport was shut down about 15 minutes so firetrucks could cross the runway but air traffic controllers had to open it while firefighters worked on the crash so planes running low on fuel could land, he said.

Both people on board refused requests they go to the hospital. Their names and addresses were not available.

???One was minor bumps and bruises the other was minor lacerations on his face and hands where he hit the windshield either he hit the windshield or he punched his way out of the cockpit,??? Conway said.

The wreckage did not catch fire and only a small amount of fuel spilled, he said. Firefighters mopped up the fuel and shut off the batteries to prevent a fire.

Airport Manager Royce N. Rankin Jr. could not be reached for comment.
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