ALEA Aviation assists in rescue of downed pilot near Sylacauga Airport

SYLACAUGA — A pilot of a crashed plane was rescued from rough terrain Wednesday by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Aviation Unit.

Around 2:15 p.m., ALEA said it received a call from Lifesaver, a critical care air medical transport program, requesting assistance in locating the downed aircraft.

ALEA’s Aviation Unit immediately responded and quickly located the crash site about one mile west of Sylacauga Airport.

The plane was found inverted after descending through dense trees, making ground access extremely difficult, ALEA said in a news release. 

ALEA’s Aviation Unit then deployed its UH-1H “Huey” helicopter to conduct an aerial  extraction.

The injured pilot was hoisted from the crash site and transported to the airport, where he was transferred to a Lifesaver helicopter and airlifted to UAB Hospital for further treatment, ALEA said. 

The pilot’s name and medical condition were not immediately available.

“This incident highlights the critical role ALEA Aviation plays in emergency response,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “The crew’s training and coordination made it possible to safely rescue the pilot in extremely difficult terrain, and we are proud of their efforts and dedication to saving lives.”