Channel 4 reports a National Guard helicopter crash in the Buffalo River in Marion County Yellville today. The chopper apparently lost power and went into the river, but apparently no serious injuries to the three on board. The Buffalo River was closed between Buffalo Point and the Highway 14 bridge, the National Park Service said, as authorities dealt with the accident.
UPDATE: State Police statement:
Arkansas State Police Special Agent Kevin Brown, assigned to the departments Criminal Investigation Division, was among the law enforcement personnel onboard an Arkansas National Guard helicopter which went down this afternoon near the Marion – Searcy County line in the vicinity of Buffalo Point. S/A Brown has been transported to a Baxter County hospital for examination. Initial reports indicate S/A Brown is in good condition. The helicopter was being used in a mission associated with an on-going criminal investigation. Brown is 30 years old and was commissioned as an Arkansas State Trooper in August, 2005.
National Guard release on the jump.