Helicopter at bottom of Crater Lake
Mail Tribune
Medford, Oregon
June 30th, 2000
Whatever happened with the helicopter that crashed into Crater Lake a few years ago? Did they ever fish it out? A friend of mine said park officials decided to leave the helicopter in the lake. Aren’t they concerned about polluting the water?
— Marian F., Yreka, Calif.
Your friend is right, Marian. Crater Lake National Park has decided, for the time being, to leave the helicopter where it lies in 1,500 feet of water.
Park officials were concerned that removing the craft that crashed into the lake on Sept. 23, 1995, could pose a danger to those trying to retrieve it. The cost of removal was estimated to be as high as $1 million.
However, the wreckage may some day be removed, particularly if that can be achieved in conjunction with research work being done at the bottom of the nation’s deepest lake, officials said.
Most of the craft’s 70 gallons of jet fuel and lubricants were released on impact. As a result, the wreckage does not threaten the crystal-clear quality of the lake’s water.
The helicopter, known as an A-STAR, was owned by American Eurocopter of Grand Prairie, Texas. The bodies of the pilot and his passenger were never recovered.
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- Researchers finish Crater Lake map – August 04, 2000
- Lake’s mapping stars on Web site – August 02, 2000
- Scientists finish mapping floor of Crater Lake – August 2000
- Crater Lake can’t hide its bottom – July 31, 2000
- Military Saves the Day for Crater Lake Sonar Research – July 29, 2000
- Crater Lake mapping boat gets a lift – July 29, 2000
- Time to rectify: I-5/Highway 62 proposal forced by poor planning in the past – July 28, 2000
- Businesses could fall if freeway exit is realigned: Fixup of Highway 62 depends on I-5 changes – July 25, 2000
- Getting to the bottom of things at Crater Lake – July 21, 2000
- Crater Lake likely to ban snowmobiles: Feds prohibit vehicles in national parks – April 28, 2000
- SOPTV will film Crater Lake, 14 byways – March 29, 2000
- Local Report: Registration available for Crater Lake runs – March 10, 2000
- U.S. Office of Special Counsel announces corrective and disciplinary action settlement – February 23, 2000
- Story of ’52 murders at Crater Lake near finish – January 30, 2000
- Crater Lake copter won’t be retrieved: Effort too risky, park officials say – January 26, 2000
