The FBI is investigating after a thief crashed a Bell 429 light twin helicopter while attempting to steal it from the Sacramento (California) Executive Airport (KSAC) early Wednesday morning. The Bureau has identified a person of interest in the case based on surveillance video. The 429, owned by Capitol Helicopters, came to rest on its side and was substantially damaged, creating a large debris field, and the alleged thief fled the scene. Several other helicopters owned by the company were also damaged when the perpetrator appeared to attempt to break into them.
According to Capitol, “Several helicopters operated by our company were vandalized by an individual unknown to us, and one aircraft was severely damaged. All of our employees are safe, and we do not believe that anyone was injured in today’s events. This incident is currently under investigation by several state and federal authorities.”
As of this morning, no one is in custody in connection with the case and the motive for the attempted theft remains unknown.