A routine training day turned into a high-stakes rescue mission on Feb. 26 when New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation received an urgent call for assistance. A small plane carrying three passengers had crashed on Mt. Equinox in Bennington County, Vermont, prompting a swift response from NYSP pilots and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers.
From Training to Action
At 9:20 a.m., Forest Rangers Gullen and Thompson were preparing for hoist training alongside NYSP Pilots Anderton and Sperber and Trooper Aurigema at Albany International Airport. But when the distress call came in, the team quickly shifted gears, piloting a rescue helicopter straight to the crash site.
By 12:15 p.m., the chopper arrived over the rugged terrain of Mt. Equinox, where the plane had gone down. Trooper Aurigema skillfully lowered the Forest Rangers to the crash site, where they found the three survivors in need of urgent medical attention.
Precision Rescue in the Wilderness
With time of the essence, Rangers secured and packaged the injured passengers while Trooper Aurigema hoisted them one by one into the hovering helicopter. Once safely aboard, the patients were transported for medical care—two by ambulance and the third by MedFlight for more advanced treatment.
A Team Effort in the Face of Danger
The mission showcased the expertise, coordination, and bravery of the NYSP Aviation Unit and DEC Forest Rangers, whose life-saving skills and quick response made all the difference in this dangerous situation.
📹 See the dramatic rescue in action! Watch the video featuring the responders on DEC’s Facebook page.
This successful rescue is a testament to the dedication of New York’s emergency response teams, who stand ready to protect and save lives—even in the most treacherous conditions.
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