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Plant City Helicopter Crash Under Investigation

GEORGE H. NEWMAN / The Tampa Tribune

A two-seater helicopter operated by pilot Jeffery Ames crashed into a wooded area in Plant City. Officer DeeDee Gregory inspects the forest canopy of oak and pines trees that may have cushioed the crash. Ames walked away from the crash and refused transport to the hospital, officials said.

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 13, 2007

PLANT CITY - Authorities are continuing to investigate a helicopter crash near Plant City Stadium that slightly injured a pilot.

The pilot, Jeffery Ames, whose age and address were unavailable, said he took off Wednesday from Lakeland, lost power at about 500 feet, and descended into pines and oaks in Plant City's Urban Forest park, police Lt. Jerry Stwan said.

Ames, who was flying alone in the two-seat helicopter, was found after the 7 p.m. crash walking near Park Road, officers said.

He was treated for head cuts, police Officer DeeDee Gregory said. He refused to go to the hospital.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have been notified, Stwan said.

It's not known when the helicopter might be removed from the largely undeveloped park just west of the stadium.

Damage was estimated at $180,000.

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