Saturday morning saw two distinct aviation emergencies in Pierce County, highlighting the swift work of local emergency responders. At approximately 10:35 a.m., a helicopter used for tree‑harvesting operations suffered an engine failure and made a hard landing in a parking lot on the 13900 block of McCutcheon Rd. East.
Firefighters from Central Pierce Fire & Rescue arrived on scene, found the aircraft leaking fuel, and safely extricated the pilot. The pilot’s injuries were described as moderate and non‑life‑threatening. Paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital for further care. The fire crew contained the fuel spill and secured the area for investigators, while the FAA and NTSB were notified to determine the cause of the power loss.
Second incident: small plane landing gear failure
Just over two hours later, at 12:53 p.m., another emergency unfolded at Thun Field near Puyallup. A Cessna aircraft experienced a failure of its front landing gear, preventing normal deployment. The pilot circled the airport several times before executing a controlled landing on the runway.
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue again responded, and a photo released by the department shows the plane resting on the runway with its nose resting on the pavement. The propeller remained horizontal and appeared undamaged. Medics evaluated all three occupants and reported no major injuries.
Both incidents underscore the importance of rapid, coordinated response by local fire, rescue, and medical teams. While the helicopter crash remains under investigation, officials emphasized that the tree‑harvesting operation was a routine commercial activity and that safety protocols are being reviewed.
Residents are reminded to stay clear of emergency scenes to allow first responders to work safely and efficiently. Updates will be provided as the FAA and NTSB release their findings.
Original reporting: KIRO 7 (Tacoma / Pierce County stories) — read the source article.
