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US Coast Guard closes hazardous site during investigation of helicopter crash near Sitka
- Jasz Garrett
- 18 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Jasz Garrett
Juneau Independent
The U.S. Coast Guard is continuing its investigation of a June 22 helicopter crash on Harbor Mountain that resulted in minor injuries to four crew members.
They were treated at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center and released the same day of the incident. The crash occurred approximately 1,500 feet on the south side of Harbor Mountain. Several trees were damaged in the incident, but there was no reported damage to the local trail or road systems, according to a press release Thursday.
"Coast Guard Air Station Sitka is taking a layered and deliberate approach to ensuring aircrews are ready to resume the watch safely," said Cmdr. Rand Semke of Air Station Sitka. "Crews from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak will remain at Sitka to maintain readiness with the goal of Sitka crews resuming their duties sometime next week."
A comprehensive salvage plan will also be initiated in the coming week, led by the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team from the Alaska Army National Guard out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The plan will include an aircraft removal assessment, wreckage removal and mitigation of any hazardous materials associated with the site. The investigation team includes Coast Guard members and civilians.
"The site is very hazardous and has been closed by the U.S. Forest Service," the press release notes. "Public access is prohibited and should not be attempted. The area is actively being monitored by live-feed cameras in close coordination with the Forest Service and the City of Sitka. The Coast Guard will encourage the reopening of Harbor Mountain Road once investigation teams have fully assessed the site and wreckage and determine no additional risks remain due to the crash."
• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.
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