At about 7:30 Tuesday morning, the Omaha Police Helicopter, Able-1 had just left its base location at the Omaha North Airport at 11901 N. 72nd Street when it experienced a mechanical failure forcing it to make an emergency landing.
Pilots took immediate action and found a safe landing spot just northwest of the Airport and landed in an open field. There were no injuries to either pilot on board or any bystanders or citizens.The helicopter is now inoperable.
The Omaha Police Department Air Support Unit was starting its second day of Annual training where a hired contractor thoroughly reviews emergency procedures and protocols, including the one utilized in this incident. This emergency landing did not occur during a training exercise.
Thanks to the pilots for their quick thinking and calm response to this very critical situation.The Omaha Police Department still has two mission ready aircraft. This particular aircraft was a military acquired Bell OH58.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.