Rusk – Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to a report of a downed helicopter at the Rusk County Airport around 10:00 this morning. Preliminary information indicates that the helicopter took off from the Rusk County Airport and was heading in a SE direction. The passenger stated as they took off she noticed that something was not right with the helicopter. The helicopter pitched hard downward striking the left skid on the runway. The passenger had minor injuries and assisted the injured pilot out of the cockpit. The pilot was airlifted to UT Health East Texas – Tyler and the passenger was ambulanced to the same hospital. Representatives from the FAA are on scene to continue the investigation. There is no further information at this time.
