A Eurocopter EC-130 lies on its side after a crash near Cabana Blue in Clay Township.
A helicopter accident occurred on Sunday at the Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar and Grill in Clay Township, Michigan. Thankfully, none of the four Canadian occupants suffered serious injuries. Eyewitness footage showed the helicopter tipping over during landing due to windy conditions. Emergency services treated all individuals for minor injuries on-site. The wreckage remains under assessment, with authorities monitoring the situation. The FAA has been notified, and the incident highlights the risks associated with routine aviation operations.
A helicopter crash occurred on Sunday afternoon at the Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar and Grill in Clay Township, Michigan, but fortunately, none of the four Canadians on board suffered serious injuries. The incident took place around 1 p.m. as the helicopter, a Eurocopter EC-130, was attempting to land.
Eyewitness video footage captured the moments leading up to the crash, showing the helicopter tipping onto its side before ultimately coming to rest. All four occupants were treated for minor injuries on-site by medical professionals and did not require further hospitalization.
Restaurant owner Joe Henninger, who frequently records landings of helicopters at the venue, noted that windy conditions contributed to the helicopter’s difficulties during its landing attempt. The crash site is located near a vacant parking area adjacent to the restaurant, providing some distance from patrons and employees at the establishment.
Following the crash, a small amount of fuel leaked from the helicopter; however, both the fuel supply and the aircraft’s batteries were promptly shut off to prevent any further issues. St. Clair County Emergency Director Justin Westmiller confirmed that bystanders were approximately 200 feet from the accident site at the time of the incident, reducing the likelihood of additional injuries.
The incident has been reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), though they will not be conducting an investigation since the helicopter is registered in Canada. It remains unclear if Canadian authorities will take over the investigation. Meanwhile, the wreckage of the helicopter is expected to stay at the site for inspections and assessments that are likely to extend into Tuesday or Wednesday.
Clay Township is located in St. Clair County, Michigan, and is known for its scenic waterfront dining options, including Cabana Blue. The restaurant frequently welcomes visitors and tourists, making aerial approach a common sight in the area. Helicopter landings at the restaurant are not a rarity, given its waterfront location that is popular among recreational pilots.
Eurocopter EC-130 helicopters are commonly used for various purposes, including sightseeing tours, medical transportation, and flight training. The aircraft involved in this incident was used for private purposes by the occupants, who are citizens of Canada.
As details about the crash and the injured parties continue to develop, local officials are monitoring the situation closely and awaiting further instructions from authorities regarding the next steps for both the investigation and the recovery of the helicopter. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, even during routine operations.
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