Reno helicopter disabled

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In February the Washoe County sheriff’s office (Reno, NV area) unveiled a helicopter they had just finished outfitting for firefighting. Now due to a rotor strike it will be out of service for much of the fire season.

Initially reported as a main rotor “bird strike”, it turns out that the rotor struck the ground when taking off during training on April 3. The helicopter will need to have a full overhaul of the drive train at a cost of approximately $143,000. If they can find parts.

I’m not sure how you would mistake a main rotor striking the ground for a “bird strike”. Somebody has some explaining to do.

File photo of the helicopter in it’s better days, courtesy of RGJ.com.

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