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Aircraft Accident Investigation In Laurel County

Date of News Release: 09/02/2005

(LONDON, KY) - On 9-2-05 at 1215 hours, Sgt. Eddie Sizemore with the Laurel County Sheriffs Department was piloting a1972 Bell OH-58 helicopter on a marijuana eradication detail in northern Laurel County. Sgt. Sizemore had just taken off from a brief landing when his aircraft struck a transmission wire stretching across a large valley. The wire was not easily identified and did not have any visible orange marking balls to identify the wire.

The helicopter lost power forcing Sgt. Sizemore to negotiate an emergency landing onto US Hwy. 25 approximately 7 miles north of London. Sgt. Sizemore suffered minor injuries during the collision with the transmission wire. Sgt. Sizemore was treated at the scene but refused transportation to the hospital. Trooper Chuck Johnson was also on board the aircraft at the time of the incident and was not injured.

Several Laurel County deputies and Troopers were on the scene within minutes of the accident. Sheriff Gene Hollon stated that Sgt. Sizemore has been practicing emergency landings and credits Sgt. Sizemore's practice with the safety of the emergency landing. The investigation is continuing by Lt. Curtis O'Bannon with the Kentucky State Police, Post 11 and Federal Aviation Administration. Assisting at the scene were accident reconstructionist, Detective Don Trosper. Also assisting at the scene were deputies from the Laurel County Sheriffs Department, officers from the London City Police Department and troopers from Post 11, London.