UPDATE: Helicopter crash victim was a student pilot
Published 3:33 pm Monday, November 4, 2024
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating a recent helicopter crash that took the lives of a man, woman and infant.
At about 9 p.m. on Friday, a Robinson R44 helicopter crashed on the 5000 block of Hecker Road in Iowa, La. Local law enforcement, local firefighters and the Louisiana State Police responded to the scene.
On Monday, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deceased victims were Jared Savant, 50; his wife, Tanya Savant, 35; and their 2-year-old baby. The family was from Kinder.
The NTSB is heading the investigation. NTSB Public Affairs Officer Keith Holloway told the American Press that preliminary information states the circumstances of the crash are unknown, and that a “post-crash fire ensued.”
He told the American Press an “NTSB investigator is wrapping up the on-scene investigation.” Following the investigation, the aircraft will be recovered and taken to a secure facility for evaluation.
Preliminary information indicates the circumstances of the crash are unknown, and that a “post-crash fire ensued.”
According to the FAA “Airmen Inquiry” database, Savant was certified as a student pilot on March 8, 2024, and was prohibited from carrying passengers.
“This was a very tragic accident, and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones affected,” said Sheriff Stitch Guillory in a news release. “Our deputies arrived on the scene and began a preliminary investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration was called out to investigate the crash and our deputies stayed on scene and assisted until the FAA arrived, began their investigation, and cleared debris from the area”
Guillory said he was particularly grateful to the community members who live in the area of the crash.
“Without hesitation, they provided assistance at the scene until first responders arrived and continued to provide assistance until the scene was cleared,” he said.
Holloway said a preliminary report on the crash is expected to be completed within 30 days of the accident.
