Talladega County, Ala. (WDNews) – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Aviation Unit helped rescue a downed pilot on Wednesday, July 16, after a small aircraft crashed in a heavily wooded area about one mile west of Sylacauga Airport.
According to ALEA, the call for assistance came around 2:17 p.m. from Lifesaver, a critical care air medical transport program. ALEA’s Aviation Unit quickly responded, locating the crash site where the plane had come to rest upside down after descending through dense trees.
Due to the difficult terrain, ALEA deployed its UH-1H “Huey” helicopter to safely hoist the pilot from the wreckage. The pilot was taken to Sylacauga Airport, where a Lifesaver helicopter airlifted the injured person to UAB Hospital for further treatment.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor praised the team, stating, “This incident highlights the critical role ALEA Aviation plays in emergency response. The crew’s training and coordination made it possible to safely rescue the pilot in extremely difficult terrain, and we are proud of their efforts and dedication to saving lives.”
ALEA says it remains committed to assisting first responders and providing vital aviation support across Alabama.
