A manhunt is underway for a thief who crashed a $7.5million helicopter after his attempts to start four others failed in a private Sacramento airbase.
The suspect broke into Sacramento Executive Airport in the early hours of Wednesday morning with the intention of stealing an aircraft.
He tried to start four different helicopters before he got into a fifth and managed to turn the engine on but he failed to get it airborne and crashed on the tarmac damaging multiple other choppers.
Police responded to reports of the break-in at 5am but the suspect had fled the scene before officers had arrived and they are not aware of any injuries he suffered.
The FBI is hunting the culprit with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who went to the scene to collect evidence.
The aircraft, a luxury Bell 429 helicopter worth $7.5million, which holds seven passengers and believed to belong to Capitol Helicopters, was significantly damaged.
It appeared completely wrecked on its side with its tail boom cracked and rotors snapped.
And the debris from the crash spanned hundreds of yards on the tarmac.
An FBI spokesman said: 'The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Sacramento Field Office and Sacramento Police department are investigating the theft of an aircraft at Sacramento Executive Airport that caused damage to multiple aircraft at Sacramento Executive Airport this morning.
'Upon arrival on scene Sacramento Executive Airport, officer located a helicopter that had been operated, and was involved in an incident that caused damage to multiple aircraft.
'This investigation is ongoing, and the FBI and Sacramento Police Department continue to work collaboratively to investigate the incident and locate the subjects involved.'
And the FAA will post a preliminary accident report in the coming days.
Local pilots at the airport have previously raised concerns about security and asked for additional measures.
One pilot said the fences are not high enough and there aren't surveillance cameras.
A spokesman for the airport said they will see what the investigation shows before commenting on the incident.
Capitol Helicopters is based at Sacramento Executive Airport and has a fleet of 13 aircrafts to support northern California with Charter, Utility, Agricultural, and Fire Suppression Services.
Reader Comments
... or lose hope.
At least here where I live, having four ex-wifes is an extremely expensive hobby.
Ive gotten divorced in four different states and it is expensive, no matter where you are...but it was a fun ride, never a dull moment