Federal investigator probes chopper crash in Calif. that killed pilot, 3 state biologists

Federal investigator probes chopper crash in Calif

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal investigator is examining the wreckage of a helicopter crash that killed a pilot and three state biologists in a narrow river canyon in Sierra National Forest.

The crash happened Tuesday near Redinger Lake after the Bell 206 helicopter carrying the four men clipped a power line and sparked a blaze that consumed the craft.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigator is searching through debris and examining radar and air traffic control data. A preliminary finding is expected in two weeks.

Killed were two longtime Department of Fish and Game scientists, Clu Cotter and Kevin O’Connor; scientists’ aide Tom Stolberg; and pilot Dennis Donovan of Landells Aviation.

The team was conducting a deer survey when the aircraft went down.