WHITESIDE, Tenn. (AP) — Officials say two Tennessee law enforcement officers died when a helicopter crashed in a wooded area after hitting a power line.
Highway Patrol Capt. Travis Plotzer said a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer and a Marion County deputy sheriff were killed in the crash on Aetna Mountain, near Whiteside, Tennessee.
Officials say the power lines fell across Interstate 24.
Motorist Dan Hostetler said he saw the black helicopter flying in circles before hitting the power lines in a bright flash of light and puff of smoke. He says he slammed on his brakes just in time to avoid hitting the electrical cables.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
