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.
KENS 5 has brought numerous firsts to South Texas television, including being the first local station with a helicopter, the first with its own Doppler radar and the first to air a local morning news program.
Over the years, KENS 5 has worked to transform local news. Our cameras have been the lens bringing history into local viewers' homes. We're proud of our legacy as we serve San Antonians today.
Today, KENS 5 continues to set the standard in local broadcasting and is recognized by its peers for excellence and innovation. The KENS 5 News team focuses on stories that really matter to our community.
You can find KENS 5 in more places than ever before, including KENS5.com, the KENS 5 app, the KENS 5 YouTube channel, KENS 5's Roku and Fire TV apps, and across social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more!
Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members.