Two Injured in North Carolina Highway Patrol Helicopter Crash

Two people were injured when a North Carolina Highway Patrol helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff at a patrol facility in Raleigh.

Highway Patrol First Sgt. Mike Baker told reporters the helicopter was about 6 feet in the air when the pilot lost control. Baker said the helicopter fell on its side to the ground, breaking the tail off.

The pilot was treated at the site, while the passenger was taken to a hospital. Baker said the injuries didn’t appear serious.

The pilot is a patrol member, but Baker declined to identify the passenger.

Baker said the helicopter was a model from around 1970. He said he didn’t know the purpose of the flight.

News footage showed firefighters spraying the helicopter with water.