Helicopter crashes in Otero County

A helicopter crashed in Otero County on Tuesday, sending three people to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The helicopter crashed southeast of the intersection of Otero County Roads 32 and AA.

Three people were on board the helicopter and were transported to the hospital for evaluation, officials said.

The helicopter is a 1982 Bell helicopter leased to SAM surveying, and was doing survey work for a new pipeline running through Otero County. The pilot reported a possible problem with the tail rotor forcing the helicopter to spin into the ground. The helicopter was heavily damaged in the crash.