Helicopter crash, 1983

USA

A March 2, 1983, photo caption described the wreckage of an LAPD helicopter, its tail hanging down, after a crash at 51st Street and Broadway. Pilot Sergeant Ronnie Hansen and Officer Tom Brooks, along with Reserve Officer Stuart Taira, were aboard. Taira was to film tornado damage in South Los Angeles. Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter hit a power line, crashed, and Taira was hit by a rotor blade as he exited. --- A March 2, 1983, photo caption depicted the remains of an LAPD helicopter.. Read more », its tail dangling, following a crash at 51st Street and Broadway. Pilot Sergeant Ronnie Hansen and Officer Tom Brooks were on board with Reserve Officer Stuart Taira, who was to film tornado damage using a video camera in South Los Angeles. The helicopter struck a power line shortly after takeoff and crashed. Taira was struck by a rotor as he exited the damaged Bell Jet Ranger.