Video shows MHP trooper rescue DNRC helicopter crew

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On June 15, a Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) helicopter responding to the Deep Creek Canyon Fire was forced to make a hard landing near Highway 12.

There were five people aboard the craft when it crashed into the ground, and it wasn’t long until the wreckage was engulfed in flames and thick black smoke. Thankfully, all of the crew and passengers aboard were able to safely evacuate the aircraft thanks in large part to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Amanda Villa.

Earlier that day, the Deep Creek Fire jumped Highway 12 and exploded from around 180 acres to more than 2,000 acres. Law enforcement had closed the road between Townsend and White Sulphur Springs for public safety.

“I was trying to find a Broadwater County deputy to piggyback on to figure out our long-term plan for roadblocks,” explained Villa. “As I pulled in next to the deputy to talk with him I could see the helicopter crash right in front of us.”

Upon arriving at the helibase, the helicopter experienced adverse winds, which caused a hard landing of the aircraft. At impact, the aircraft spun right about 120 degrees and rolled to the left into an upside-down position.

Villa quickly put her vehicle in park and rushed to the wreckage to see if anyone was still alive.

“I didn’t know how far it had dropped from. I noticed somebody was trying to get out of the window and rushed over. Once he was out I yelled if there was anyone else inside,” recalled Villa.

The helicopter manager had managed to kick the helicopter windshield out and flag down Villa. There were four more people still in the downed aircraft.

Unknown to Villa, the pilot had realized the engine was still running and located the fuel shutoff switch. Yet even with the switch hit, the back end of the craft was on fire and the flames were growing.

“I went to the window and just kind of helped people crawl out onto my back to pull them out of the helicopter since the whole back of the helicopter was currently on fire,” she recalled.

Villa says she’s just thankful she was at the right place at the right time, had help on the scene and that everyone was okay.

In the dashcam footage, the Broadwater Deputy can be seen running to the wreck as well, checking on those that had gotten free of the wreck. Between law enforcement, the helicopter crew and nearby fire personnel, they were able to get everyone away from the burning helicopter and get people medical attention.
The crew of the DNRC helicopter was assessed by medical staff at both the Billings Clinic Broadwater in Townsend and St. Peter’s Health in Helena. All are doing well, with only minor injuries reported.

According to DNRC, the crew of the helicopter are extremely grateful for the quick actions and heroic shown by Trooper Villa.