Helicopter crash adds to busy Saturday for Wasatch County SAR

Wasatch County SAR responded to a helicopter crash at Strawberry Reservoir on March 11, 2023. Photo: Wasatch County SAR

Updated at 12:44 p.m.

WASATCH COUNTY, Utah — It was a busy weekend for the Wasatch County Search and Rescue team who responded to three calls on Saturday, March 11.

At 11:17 a.m. SAR, alongside multiple other Wasatch County agencies, responded to a downed helicopter at Strawberry Reservoir.

“It was determined that the pilot was attempting to make a low pass over the snowy lake and was disoriented by the glare of the snow,” said a statement from Wasatch County SAR. “The helicopter’s wheels made contact with the snow, causing the helicopter to crash, tumbling for several yards across the lake.”

The two occupants of the helicopter were able to get out of the aircraft. They were treated on the scene, and came away from the accident with small cuts and bruises.

The helicopter was declared a total loss.

At 11:24 a.m. Wasatch SAR also responded to a snowmobile accident near Tower Mountain, east of Heber, where the snowmobile landed on top of the driver. LifeFlight was called, and the patient recovered enough to make it out on his own power. 

Finally, at 1:02 p.m. crews responded to a snowmobile crash in the Strawberry River parking lot. The snowmobiler had crashed into a trailer after complaining of arm issues.