DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — A helicopter returning from a North Georgia wedding venue crashed in a wooded area near Dawsonville late Friday night, killing two people and injuring a third, according to authorities.
The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office said it received a call Friday, May 29, reporting a possible downed helicopter in the county. Deputies, along with Dawson County Fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene off Mt. Vernon Drive southwest of Dawsonville.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a Robinson R66 helicopter crashed around 10:35 p.m. The agency confirmed the number of people on board but did not release any names. A third occupant was injured and transported to a hospital for treatment.
According to Atlanta News First, Andy Whitaker, director of operations for Prestige Helicopters, confirmed the helicopter involved belonged to the company. Whitaker told the television station the aircraft was returning from a wedding venue when it crashed. He said the pilot had flown the route many times before. Whitaker described the accident as unprecedented for Prestige Helicopters, saying the company had maintained a clean flying record for 40 years before Friday night’s crash.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
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