On October 28, 2013, a Bell 206 Jet Ranger clipped power lines and crashed into a River in Douglas County, Oregon. The pilot and two passengers, both biologists, successfully evacuated the helicopter but were severely injured in the crash. Early reports indicate that Eric Himmelreich, 35, broke two vertebrae in the crash, and Holly Huchko, 34, suffered a broken back. They were both taken to Mercy Medical Center for treatment. The pilot, Fred Wittlake, 55, was flown to Sacred Heart at RiverBend in Springfield by a LifeFlight helicopter — his condition is still unknown. The helicopter is apparently owned by several entities, including Robert Ferreira, Siskiyou Transportation Inc., and Timberland Helicopters Inc. The links embedded below provide preliminary news coverage of this flight-related tragedy and we at Pilot Law, P.C. are actively investigating this unfortunate incident. We are keenly sympathetic to affected parties in tragedies such as this, having litigated dozens like it in courts throughout the country and abroad, and having a former military medical evacuation and Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter pilot among our staff. In cases such as this, affected parties may have legal recourse against various entities, including the aircraft and/or component manufacturers and the owner/operator of the aircraft. We at Pilot Law, P.C. bring years’ of experience and expertise to bear and will diligently and relentlessly pursue the truth on behalf of the victims and their families.