Robinson R-44 helicopter crashed in the desert east of Borrego Springs
The four-seat Robinson R-44 crashed north of Borrego Air Ranch Airport in the desert east of Borrego Springs about 1:30 p.m
The pilot called authorities to say four people were aboard the aircraft when it went down and had minor injuries.
The helicopter is believed to be a charter aircraft operated by Big Blue Air out of Palm Springs, according to Lt. Amber Baggs.
Paramedics responded to the crash and reported 3 injuries and 3 air ambulances were ordered to transport the injured to hospitals.
The crew of a sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter radioed shortly before 2:30 p.m. that they had located the helicopter in Borrego Sink Wash and that it was on its side in several pieces.
When sheriff’s deputies and rescue crews from Cal Fire reached the crash site, which is about 18 miles from Borrego Springs by road, they called for air ambulances to evacuate three injured people.
