Investigation continues into fatal Payne County helicopter crash

Authorities are still investigating a weekend helicopter crash, which happened near Cushing in Payne County. The crash killed two people, and injured 3 others. <br/><br/>Investigators say pilot and off-duty

Tuesday, June 29th 2004, 5:46 am

By: News On 6

Authorities are still investigating a weekend helicopter crash, which happened near Cushing in Payne County. The crash killed two people, and injured 3 others.

Investigators say pilot and off-duty Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Darrell Jameson were giving helicopter rides at a birthday celebration when the accident happened.

Three members of the group "Red Dirt Rangers" survived the crash. Jameson, and a passenger Nicholas Knigge did not. One eyewitness has been helping with the investigation. Albert Hunzinger: "I heard the helicopter and shortly after that I heard something slap the water. I saw the spray probably 40 or 50 feet high and debris flying higher than that. Couldn't tell what it was, I just knew something crashed".

Rescuers have labeled survivor Brad Piccolo a hero for helping his band-mates out of the wreckage. However from his hospital bed, Piccolo tells the News on 6, the rescuers were the true heroes.