CIBOLA COUNTY - When a motorcyclist got lost and stuck in the mud near Mt. Taylor, it was a helicopter that pulled him out.
It was 7 am on March 8 when the New Mexico State Police Special Operations Aircraft Section was contacted to assist in locating the 40-year-old male who was lost near Mt. Taylor in a wilderness area northeast of Grants, N.M.
The motorcyclist had been out since the prior evening. His cell phone battery had died, and it was reported he did not have proper clothing for the weather and might be without food and water.
The New Mexico State Police Helicopter, call sign ABLE 7, consisting of a pilot and two tactical flight officers, was launched to the area to locate the lost man.
At around 10 am, ABLE 7 located him in a wooded area about 15 miles northeast of Mount Taylor at an elevation of 8,500 feet. ABLE 7 safely landed and the crew loaded the motorcyclist onto the helicopter.
The man did not appear to have any life-threatening injuries. He was transported to the Double Eagle Airport and a waiting ambulance, where he was medically evaluated.
“I’m very happy with the outcome of this incident” New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson said. “The response of ABLE 7 and its crew most certainly saved this gentleman’s life.”
The New Mexico State Police unveiled its new helicopter, an Airbus H145 just two months ago on Jan. 10. This incident was the first rescue mission performed by the new ABLE 7.
