Several agencies responded to reports of the crash off Highway 90, about 12 miles west of Uvalde.
KINNEY COUNTY, Texas — Two people are dead after a private helicopter crashed near the Uvalde/Kinney county line Thursday afternoon, authorities say.
Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration say the aircraft – a four-seat Robinson R44 helicopter – crashed around 1:20 p.m. First responders arrived at the crash site around 2:45 p.m., including a contingent of sheriff’s deputies from Kinney and Uvalde counties, Department of Public Safety personnel, fire and EMS crews.
The helicopter came down on a private property along Highway 90, about 12 miles west of Uvalde, according to Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe.
“It was pretty traumatic,” Kinney County Judge John Paul Schuster said.
The victims haven’t been identified, but authorities say they were the only people onboard the aircraft.
Judge Schuster told KENS 5 Thursday, the pilot was from Uvalde and the passenger was from Florida. He said the helicopter was owned by Holt Helicopters, located about 20 minutes west of the crash site.
Schuster said the two were surveying game over the Harris Ranch when the crash happened.
“They’ve flown for us over at our ranch so very experienced guys and stuff so I don’t know, freak deal, sad deal,” Schuster said. “It’s under investigation.”
Schuster said the Florida resident was visiting with a group of friends.
“This was one of their annual trips,” Schuster said. “They come out here, they’re friends with the manager of the ranch and everything and they come every year. This is kind of a get away from them to fly, do some fun.”
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. A preliminary report could come as soon as Friday.
This is a developing story.