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On the afternoon of Sunday, January 18, 2026, a Bell 206L-1 LongRanger II helicopter went down in a remote section of Wasatch County. The aircraft impacted trees and terrain approximately 100 yards off State Road 35 near the Wolf Creek Campground.
First responders from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, along with support from Summit County and the Utah Division of Natural Resources, arrived at the scene around 3:10 p.m.. Witness video reportedly captured the aircraft spinning before it made contact with the heavily timbered area near Timber Lakes. The Utah helicopter crash drew swift action from multiple agencies.
Search and Rescue Efforts
There were four occupants on board at the time of the crash. Among them, a 23-year-old woman sustained a critical head injury and was immediately evacuated by AirMed to a nearby hospital. In fact, the Utah helicopter crash resulted in a complex rescue mission for local teams.
The remaining three passengers—a 45-year-old male pilot, a 60-year-old man, and a 46-year-old woman—suffered minor injuries. They were evaluated and released at the scene. While the names of the individuals have not been released, FAA records indicate the helicopter is registered to an LLC based in Bluffdale, Utah.
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Mountain Aviation Challenges
At TGR, we are no strangers to the complexities of operating in high-alpine environments. Mountainous terrain introduces unique variables like terrain-induced airflow, erratic wind patterns, and altitude issues that make it even more difficult. Notably, the Utah helicopter crash highlights the risks associated with mountain flying in this region.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are currently investigating the cause of the incident. Investigators will likely look into mechanical factors, specifically the tail rotor system, as well as the environmental conditions at the time of the spin.
Our thoughts are with those injured and their families as they navigate the recovery process. We will continue to provide updates as more information from the NTSB becomes available.
