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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Authorities investigating Newman Lake helicopter crash

Federal aviation authorities are investigating a helicopter accident that occurred Friday in Newman Lake. The Robinson R22 Beta helicopter lost control during a hover and tipped over, according to Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The National Transportation Safety Board is the lead investigative agency, but both the Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB are investigating this accident. The NTSB investigator usually posts a preliminary report on the agency’s website within a week or two of an accident, but it typically takes months to come up with a probable cause for accidents. Neither the FAA nor NTSB releases crash victims’ identities. The helicopter is registered to Emerald City Aircraft Leasing Inc. in Port Orchard, Wash. Spokesman Deputy Craig Chamberlin, with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed a helicopter tipped over Friday while an instructor and pilot were on board, but said the sheriff’s office didn’t respond. He said no injuries were reported but didn’t have any further information.