A small helicopter crashed into a pond Friday afternoon on Cape Cod, leaving two people with life-threatening injuries.
The crash occurred shortly before 1 p.m. at Crows Pond in Chatham, Massachusetts, according to police.
Two people were on board at the time — officials say pilot John Ryan of Scituate and passenger Tyra Pacheco of Acushnet, both 48, were trapped in the helicopter, partially submerged in the pond.
Both victims were conscious when crews responded, but both sustained life-threatening injuries, according to Chatham Fire.
Pacheco was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital in critical condition, Chatham Police said in a press release. While Ryan was taken to Cape Cod Hospital, he was ultimately transferred to Brigham & Women's Hospital, where he remains in serious condition.
Witnesses told police the helicopter was flying low and its engine was sputtering — they said it appeared to be making an emergency landing on the shoreline when it crashed.
Police confirm the helicopter took off from Plymouth Airport. It had been hired for aerial photography by a real estate company.
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The Coast Guard and Chatham Harbormaster have responded to the scene.
Stay with necn and necn.com as this story develops.
