SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Aviation Unit rescued a pilot on Wednesday, July 16, after a plane crash occurred in rugged terrain about a mile west of the Sylacauga Municipal Airport.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency received a call at approximately 2:17 p.m. from Lifesaver 4, a critical care air medical transport service, requesting assistance in locating a downed aircraft.
The Aviation Unit responded quickly and located the crash site, where the plane had come to rest upside down in dense woods, complicating ground access.
Using a UH-1H “Huey” helicopter, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency crews conducted an aerial extraction, hoisting the injured pilot from the site and transporting him to the Sylacauga Airport. From there, Lifesaver 4 personnel airlifted the pilot to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for further treatment.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor praised the operation, saying, “This incident highlights the critical role ALEA Aviation plays in emergency response. The crew’s training and coordination made it possible to safely rescue the pilot in extremely difficult terrain, and we are proud of their efforts and dedication to saving lives.”
The identity and condition of the pilot have not been released. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
