FAA investigating helicopter crash

A pilot walked away from a helicopter crash near Franklin with burns on his legs and scratches on his arms and face.

Now, the FAA is investigating what may have led to the crash on Sunday afternoon. The investigation could take weeks.

Richard L. Money, 71, of Columbus was the only person in the Bell 47 helicopter on Sunday as friends watched from the ground at the Franklin Flying Field, south of Franklin. A friend told Johnson County Sheriff’s Office deputies he was watching Money fly the helicopter when he heard the engine shut off. As the helicopter began falling, it looked like Money was trying to land in a nearby field, the sheriff’s office report said.

The friend and several others watching jumped into a truck and drove to the site of the crash, where the helicopter was engulfed in flames. The helicopter was destroyed in the crash, the report said.

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As they approached, they saw Money walking away from the crash site, the report said.

Money had burns to his legs and multiple cuts, and was taken to Johnson Memorial Hospital. Doctors there immediately took him to the critical care unit to be checked out, the report said. His condition was not available on Monday.

Money told medical staff that the helicopter he was flying lost power, and then began to fall, the report said.

The sheriff’s office contacted the FAA on Sunday after the crash. And investigators were at the scene on Monday, FAA spokesman Tony Molinaro said.

FAA investigators will study the wreckage and review maintenance records and any radar or audio recordings, Molinaro said.

They will also speak to the pilot, when he is able, and also determine if there are any witnesses to speak with, he said.

That process could take weeks, Molinaro said.

Officials at the Franklin Flying Field declined to comment about the crash due to the ongoing FAA investigation.