Two visitors were swiftly taken to the hospital after being struck by a helicopter that crash-landed in China. The tourist helicopter descended abruptly, hitting onlookers who sustained head injuries, with one in a more severe condition, in an incident that occurred in Qinghai Province on Tuesday.
Video footage captured the yellow gyroplane executing a low-altitude demonstration flight as part of a three-aircraft formation. However, it suddenly spiraled out of control, emitting smoke from its rear. The helicopter nosedived, veering to the left and landing on two bystanders as they helplessly watched the aircraft approach.
The incident unfolded at Chaka Sky No. 1 Scenic Area near the salt lake in Qinghai Province. Upon arrival at Ulan County People’s Hospital, the injured tourists were conscious before being transferred to a larger medical facility in Haixi Prefecture.
According to officials from the Ulan County Joint Investigation Group, a self-rotating rotorcraft made a crash landing, causing injuries to two individuals on the ground. The victims received prompt medical attention, and their vital signs are currently stable.
The group further mentioned that the helicopter involved has been impounded, and the scenic spot was closed while investigations into the cause are ongoing. Initial findings suggest that wake turbulence from a nearby gyroplane may have triggered the loss of control.
The occupants of the Harbin XLI gyroplane, capable of accommodating two to three individuals, escaped unharmed. The investigation into the incident continues.
In a separate aviation incident, an influential figure in aviation met a tragic end in China in front of over 1,000 fans when his ultralight aircraft crashed and caught fire during a live stream last September.
Tang Feiji was live streaming when his twin-rotor craft suddenly veered and crashed in Jiange County, central China. Viewers were horrified and flooded the chat with pleas for emergency assistance to save him.
Despite the viewers’ frantic appeals, Tang, 55, succumbed to the impact and was declared dead at the scene. Tang, well-known in Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province for his flying content, had approximately 100,000 followers on the Chinese social media platform Douyin.
Moments before the fatal crash, he had briefly landed to adjust his camera before taking off again. Notably, the influencer was not wearing any protective gear such as a helmet or parachute while operating the aircraft.
