New Mexico official says no mechanical problems with chopper in mountain crash that killed 2

NM official: Chopper had no mechanical problem

SANTA FE, N.M. — A New Mexico public safety official says investigators have found no mechanical malfunctions in a state police helicopter that crashed during a mountain rescue effort.

State Public Safety Secretary John Denko told legislators Wednesday the cause of the June crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board but so far there’s no evidence the helicopter had mechanical problems.

He says a federal report on the crash is not expected to be ready for at least six more months.

The crash occurred shortly after a lost hiker was picked up in the mountains near Santa Fe. The hiker and pilot died. Another crew member survived.