Rescue chopper makes emergency landing in Deeth-Starr Valley

Feb 21, 2025

The helicopter that made an emergency landing on Tuesday evening was made by Airbus in 2017 and was recently recertified in 2023.

DEETH — A rescue helicopter experiencing “mechanical issues” made an emergency landing in the Deeth-Starr Valley area on Tuesday, county fire officials said.

None of the three people aboard the REACH helicopter based in Elko, or anyone on the ground, was injured in the emergency landing about 5:30 p.m. on rural ranch land, said Matt Petersen, chief of the Elko County Fire Protection District.

He said the helicopter was en route to a rescue when those onboard sensed “weird smells in the cockpit” and decided to land under clear skies. The craft was carrying a pilot, nurse and paramedic, Petersen said.

Stacey Ingram, regional director of REACH, said on Wednesday the crew did exactly what they should have done. “We train for this annually,” she said.

She said the crew communicated well with one another and the pilot “did an amazing job communicating” with the company’s Elko base and rescuers.

According to FAA records, the helicopter is owned by REACH Air Medical Services LLC out of Santa Rosa, California. It is an Airbus AS350B3 made in 2017 and last certified in December 2023. The current certificate lasts until Dec. 31, 2030. It is powered by a 802 horsepower Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine.

Petersen reiterated gratitude to those who helped, including ranchers in the area.

“A huge thank you to local ranchers in Deeth/Starr Valley for assisting crews with access,” the the Fire Protection District stated in a news release on social media. Petersen and the district cited the Ruby Valley, Deeth and Ryndon volunteer fire departments, Elko Station 21, Elko Ambulance and the county’s Emergency Management services for “quick response and dedication.”

Petersen said the flight crew landed safely out of an abundance of caution. Once on the ground, they left the batteries on so the helicopters beacons would continue to operate. They also fired a flare from an onboard emergency kit so ground rescuers would more easily locate them, he said.

Ingram agreed. She said the odor was detected and the pilot sent the helicopter down safely managed the situation with precision.

Another helicopter flew to the site on Wednesday carrying REACH mechanics and another crew to fly the initial helicopter back to Elko, she said. In Deeth, the mechanics were troubleshooting “where it sits” and making sure it could fly back to base. There, it would be inspected and any needed repairs made.

She said the helicopter was equipped with survival gear, including flares and the flare gun used on Tuesday night, plus food packs, sleeping bags, shelter and tools to start a fire to keep warm.

Petersen said the area was muddy from earlier rain and snow.

A report of the incident with the Federal Aviation Administration was not yet available online.

Keith Kohn is editor of the Elko Daily Free Press. Reach him at [email protected].

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