2nd attempt to retrieve crashed Wyo. copter fails

A second attempt to retrieve a search and rescue helicopter that crashed last week in northwest Wyoming has been called off. Bridger-Teton National Forest spokeswoman Mary Cernicek says high winds stopped the second attempt on Tuesday. She says poor weather conditions this week may mean crews will have to wait until Friday for a third try. The helicopter crashed Feb. 15 in a remote area of the forest northeast of Jackson while responding to a snowmobile accident in which a man died. One volunteer rescuer died while the pilot and another rescue volunteer were hurt. The pilot reported losing control of the helicopter, but the helicopter must be retrieved so investigators can determine whether mechanical failure was a factor. Snowy weather stopped the first attempt to retrieve it last Friday.