Helicopter downed near Searchlight

Authorities are investigating a downed helicopter on state Route 164 in Searchlight.

A preliminary investigation determined that there were no occupants on the scene when police arrived, but that the Bell helicopter is "substantially damaged," Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said.

The helicopter is registered to U.S Helicopter LLC out of Spokane, Wash. Its certificate was given March of this year, according to FAA records. It's classification is listed as "agriculture and pest control forest."

Initial calls about 12:30 p.m. said the craft was downed about 60 miles south of the Las Vegas Valley, said Metro Lt. Jeff Goodwin.

The pilot was low on fuel and attempted to land when the vehicle got caught in crosswinds, Goodwin said. The pilot was not injured in the "hard-impact crash."

Nevada Highway Patrol and the Clark County Fire Department also responded to the wreck.

Review-Journal writers Wesley Juhl and Ricardo Torres contributed to this story. Contact Kimber Laux at klaux@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find her on Twitter: @lauxkimber