U.S. Coast Guard Investigates Helicopter Crash on Harbor Mountain: Recovery Efforts and Safety Measures Underway
A helicopter crash on Harbor Mountain near Sitka is under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard, with military recovery crews preparing to remove the wreckage from the closed hazardous site. The crash occurred during a training flight on the south side of Harbor Mountain, resulting in minor injuries to four crew members who were treated and released the same day. The crash damaged trees but did not affect nearby trail or road systems. The cause of the crash has not been determined yet, and the investigation team is working on it.
A salvage plan is set to begin soon, led by the Alaska Army National Guard’s Downed Aircraft Recovery Team. The plan will involve assessing the aircraft removal, clearing the wreckage, and addressing any hazardous materials at the crash site. The U.S. Forest Service has closed the area to the public, and access is prohibited. Live-feed cameras are monitoring the site in coordination with the Forest Service and the City of Sitka. Once the site is deemed safe, Harbor Mountain Road will be reopened.
Coast Guard officials have relocated crews from Air Station Kodiak to Sitka to maintain response coverage for Southeast Alaska. Cmdr. Rand Semke, commanding officer of Air Station Sitka, mentioned that the Kodiak crews will stay in Sitka until local aircrews are ready to resume duty safely. The Coast Guard is committed to ensuring the safety of aircrews before resuming operations.
In conclusion, the U.S. Coast Guard is actively investigating a helicopter crash on Harbor Mountain near Sitka, with plans underway to remove the wreckage from the closed hazardous site. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and the investigation team is working diligently to determine it. The safety of aircrews and the public is a top priority, with measures in place to address any potential risks associated with the crash site.