Navy confirm helicopters dipped into Lake Tahoe during hover maneuver; investigation under way

Navy confirms helicopters took dip in Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — Military officials say an investigation is under way after two U.S. Navy helicopters dipped temporarily into the waters of Lake Tahoe, before righting themselves and landing at a nearby airport.

San Diego-based Naval Air Forces media officer Lt. Aaron Kakiel confirmed that a YouTube video filmed by tourists represents authentic footage of the Sept. 13. incident, the Nevada Appeal reports.

Kakiel says two pilots were returning from a cross-country tour when they attempted a “hover” maneuver with MH-60 Romeo helicopters a few feet above the water in Emerald Bay.

Kakiel says the aircraft had insufficient power to sustain the hover and slowly descended into the water. But he says both aircraft were able to regain altitude and land.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Navy says the entire flight is under investigation.

Online:

YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v(equals sign)qYExH8hpgXI