Helicopter with 2 aboard crashes at Massachusetts airport

TAUNTON, Mass. — A helicopter with two people aboard has crashed at a Massachusetts airport, but authorities say neither was injured.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Jim Peters in a statement says the Robinson R44 helicopter crashed at Taunton Municipal Airport at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Broadcast video from the scene showed a red helicopter on its side.

The FAA says the preliminary investigation indicates the helicopter with an instructor and student on board was hovering just above the ground when a gust of wind blew it onto its side.

The instructor was piloting it at the time, and both men got out on their own.

"One of the operators said he may be sore, but no significant injuries and no transport to the hospital at this time," Taunton Police Lieutenant Eric Nichols said.

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The aircraft sustained significant damage to its cab and rotors.

Authorities say a minor fuel spill was quickly contained.

The FAA is investigating.

Associated Press