An internal investigation reveals a U.S. Army helicopter that released fuel over neighborhoods in Tempe and Phoenix did so intentionally to reduce weight so the aircraft could be airlifted out of state.
On Feb. 5, fire crews from Phoenix and Tempe responded to reports of a low-flying helicopter spilling fuel in the area of Priest Drive and 10th Street and Sixth Street and Wilson Street. When they arrived, they found dry petroleum residue on vehicles parked nearby.
An U.S. Army spokesperson confirmed an Army helicopter was releasing fuel because of a maintenance issue and an intentional release by the pilot, and the fuel residue seen on cars was likely caused by that release…