Helicopter crashes
at Schofield

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A civilian helicopter crashed this morning at Schofield Barracks East Range, injuring the three people aboard.

The aircraft was a Hughes 500 helicopter leased by the Army for routine monitoring of endangered species, said Army spokeswoman Capt. Stacy Bathrick. The pilot and two passengers, contract employees for the Army, were injured, but the extent of their injuries were not immediately known, she said.

The Honolulu Fire Department's Air One Helicopter, an engine company and battalion chief assisted the Army search for the helicopter. Army officials asked HFD for help in locating the helicopter at about 10:15 a.m., said Capt. Kenison Tejada, HFD spokesman. Rescue personnel reported about 11 a.m. that they spotted the aircraft near Kaaumakua Ridge.