Two people were injured over the weekend during an incident involving a Blackhawk helicopter near Greybull.
The UH-60 Blackhawk is assigned to the Wyoming Army National Guard and the incident occurred Saturday while the National Guard and members of the Big Horn County Search and Rescue conducted search and rescue training, according to a news release issued by the Army National Guard.
After the helicopter experienced a power failure, the hoist line on which two civilians were suspended was immediately cut as a part of a standard safety procedure to minimize loss of life, further injuries and destruction of equipment and property.
The two civilians injured are members of the High Angle Rope Rescue Team with Big Horn County Search and Rescue. The Wyoming National Guard and local agencies frequently partner to train and improve search and rescue skills and increase capabilities.
The injuries were non-life threatening and the individuals were taken to be medically treated.
“Our crews know the risks of the inherently dangerous work they are called to perform,” Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn said in a statement. “We will continue to train with the Wyoming National Guard and other partners to gain much needed proficiencies to serve our citizens in times of crisis.”
The crew and helicopter are assigned to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation, Wyoming Army National Guard and frequently conduct search and rescue missions and provide firefighting capabilities.
The incident is currently under investigation.
