Civilian Helicopter Loses Power Midair, Bounces Off Runway and Rolls Over at Griffiss Airport

Rome, N.Y. — A civilian helicopter with three men on board lost power midair, hit the ground and rolled on its side while trying to land Tuesday afternoon at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, deputies said.

The helicopter was preparing to land on the runway at 1:47 p.m. when alarms began going off, according to a news release issued by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. It lost power about 20 or 30 feet above the runway and fell to the ground, deputies said.

The helicopter fell on its landing skids and bounced back into the air, deputies said. As it hit the ground a second time, it rolled onto its left side, they said.

All three men inside the helicopter were able to get out before first responders arrived at the scene, deputies said. The men suffered non-life-threatening injuries, they said.

The helicopter was piloted by Deekpak Dherny, 69, of Rome, deputies said. He suffered minor cuts to his head and face, they said.

The passengers on the helicopter were Charles Lewis, 53, of Lexington, South Carolina and Joseph Fernandez, 50, of Broomfield, Colorado, deputies said. Both men were taken to the Rome Memorial Hospital with minor injuries, they said.

Deputies were assisted by AmCare Ambulance, Rome firefighters, Rome police, and airport firefighters and personnel.

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the crash, according to the release.

Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or [email protected].

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