Pilot involved in helicopter accident to be released from ICU

The pilot of the helicopter that crashed off of Highway 95 is set to be released from the Intensive Care Unit at a Phoenix-area hospital Monday.

The pilot works for Tri-Rotor LLC, one of two crop duster companies in Yuma County.

The pilot was flying a low flying helicopter used to spray the several agriculture fields around Yuma Friday night when he hit a power line near County 14th Street and Highway 95.

Tri-Rotor LLC said the helicopter was not carrying any chemicals at the time.

They claimed the pilot actually crashed into the power line while looking for it because he wasn’t familiar with the field he was in.

“I believe he’s getting out of the ICU today and in time will be okay,” said Matt Fieldgrove, Tri-Rotor LLC manager.

Fieldgrove said accidents like these are not usual and the planes and helicopters are designed for safety.

“The aircraft doors are made so, in case of an emergency, we’re able to release them and get them out of the way so they can exit the aircraft if they need to,” said Fieldgrove.

Tri-Rotor LLC said the pilot will take flight over the Yuma fields again once he is able to.