Authorities in Minnesota confirmed a helicopter crash near a small airport in the Twin Cities suburbs on Saturday afternoon, with no survivors reported. Emergency personnel located the downed aircraft, identified as a Robinson R66, approximately 2:45 p.m. local time west of Airlake Airport. The Lakeville Police Department stated there was no indication of survivors, though the number of people aboard remains unknown.
The Robinson R66, a single-engine turbine helicopter with capacity for one pilot and four passengers, crashed in a non-residential area, posing no risk to ground personnel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported the crash occurred under “unknown circumstances,” followed by a post-crash fire. An investigator is scheduled to arrive at the scene Sunday afternoon.
Flight tracking data showed the helicopter abruptly stopped west of the airport moments before losing contact. Further details about the incident, including the exact number of occupants, are pending official release.