ALVA, Okla. -- Two people have died after a helicopter crash Saturday evening in the northwestern Oklahoma town of Alva.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened just after 5:30 p.m. near the Share Medical Center, near College Boulevard and E 0160 Road, less than a mile away from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
The victims in the crash were identified as David Chael, 61, of Enid and Cortney Washburn, 39, of Alva.
Officials said the aircraft, a Beachcraft Bonanza, was approaching the airport when the cowl hatch opened. The landing gear deployed and the front wheel hit a power line. The aircraft came to rest on its top.
Officials said the passengers were exiting the plane when it exploded.
On its official Facebook page, Northwestern Oklahoma State University said many parts of Alva were without electricity due to a "significant event" in the southern part of the city.
OG&E reports power was knocked out for 1,335 customers around 5:27 p.m. after the crash
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