Survivors hike for help after helicopter crash-lands in mountains near Midway, Utah

A privately owned helicopter sustained significant damage during the emergency landing, including a detached tail boom and rotor Photo: Utah DNR Division of Law Enforcement

MIDWAY, Utah — A sightseeing helicopter tour ended with an emergency landing in a remote section of Wasatch Mountain State Park over the weekend after the aircraft experienced mechanical issues.

According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources’ law enforcement division, the pilot brought the helicopter down safely in the Boulder Basin area, east of Clayton’s Peak. The privately owned helicopter sustained significant damage during the emergency landing, including a detached tail boom and rotor, as seen in images from the scene. While the aircraft was left inoperable the pilot and two passengers were not injured.

With no cell service in the area, the trio hiked roughly half a mile to a private cabin, where the resident was able to contact emergency responders.

Officers from DNR and the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office responded and helped escort the group off the mountain. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation, and no further details about the cause of the malfunction have been released.