DPS helicopter crashes at the border after 'total loss of power'

KINNEY COUNTY, Texas — A DPS helicopter crashed at the border after the helicopter reportedly lost all power. On Thursday, around 7:20 p.m., a pilot and copilot were in a single engine DPS helicopter conducting a "border interdiction patrol flight in support of Operation Lone Star" at North FM 1908, just west of FM 131 in Kinney County, according to DPS.

Since the flight was being conducted at night, under Visual Flight Rules conditions, DPS said the pilots were using night vision goggles. While in flight, the helicopter reportedly experienced "a total loss of power" and entered into what DPS called an "auto rotative decent" before crashing into the ground.

DPS did not give an update on the pilot but said the co pilot only sustained a minor hand injury, while the helicopter was heavily damaged by the crash. "The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been notified, and the Texas Highway Patrol is securing the scene until their arrival.

DPS will not be releasing further details until the completion of the NTSB investigation," said DPS. This is an ongoing investigation and KENS 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Learn more about KENS 5: Since going on the air in 1950, KENS 5 has strived to be the best, most trusted news and entertainment source for generations of San Antonians.

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