Helicopter Harvesting Christmas Trees Crashes

SHERIDAN, Ore. (AP) — The Polk County Sheriff's Office says a helicopter helping to harvest Christmas trees crashed near Sheridan, but the pilot was able to walk away.

Authorities say that witness reports indicate an engine failure caused the pilot to lose control of the aircraft Monday afternoon.

Pilot Blane Hayes of Applebee Aviation told responding medics that he was uninjured and refused medical assistance.

The sheriff's office says Applebee Aviation employees left the scene before deputies arrived.

Owner Michael Applebee tells the Oregonian that everyone was OK and they didn't see a need to stick around. Applebee says he drove the pilot, who is his son, to a hospital.

Authorities say the company has been in contact with the National Transportation Safety Board and is cooperating with investigators.