Posted at: 06/10/2009 6:48 PM
Updated at: 06/10/2009 9:04 PM
By: Cris Ornales, Eyewitness News 4; Matthew Kappus, KOB.com

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Searchers find crashed helicopter

Searchers say snowy conditions in the Santa Fe Baldy have made the recovery effort hazardous

State police say they've found the crash site of a downed police helicopter in northern New Mexico, but haven't found anyone there.

State Police Chief Faron Segotta said a pinging device on the helicopter led them to the aircraft.

Rescuers have found the fuselage and other debris from a helicopter that crashed into a snowy mountain in northern New Mexico, but they say there is still no sign of two of the three people who were aboard.

The area is over 12,200 feet in elevation, muddy, rugged and snow-covered.

Searchers remain optimistic they'll find two people missing in the crash, including their colleague, Sgt. Andy Tingwell.

Tingwell, along with Officer Wesley Cox, were on a rescue mission Tuesday night, picking up missing hiker Negumi Yamamoto in the Santa Fe Baldy.

Cox, who was rescued Wednesday just after noon, told investigators the helicopter's tail hit something. The helicopter lifted, but then crashed.

It then rolled down a hill, ejecting all three passengers. Cox said based on what he saw, Yamamoto was killed instantly.

He remained in vocal contact with Tingwell into the night, but then Cox took refuge in the helicopter overnight.

At daybreak, Cox went down the mountain where he found searchers. The officer was taken to St. Vincent Hospital where he is recovering from extreme hypothermia, as well as internal and leg injuries.

State police spokesman Lt. Eric Garcia says two crews are at the crash site but have not located the pilot, Sgt. Andrew Tingwall of Santa Fe, or the lost hiker who had been picked up just before the crash. Garcia says the debris from the helicopter is scattered down the mountain side.

The search goes on Wednesday night for Yamamoto and Tingwell. Rescuers say Tingwell could still be alive—he is a 14-year veteran of the police force with wilderness survival skills. He also has outdoor gear.

Search on for hero cop

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