Impaired driver hit popular Celebrate Freedom Foundation helicopter, causes $500,000 in damage
The helicopter known as “Annie,” was struck and damaged by a vehicle last Saturday.
As a result of the collision that damaged the helicopter, a 37-year-ol man man from North Carolina was arrested for DUI.
“This is what an impaired driver has done to a multi-million dollar aircraft,” said Master Trooper David Jones, of the S.C. Highway Patrol. No one was injured, but Jones said damage to the helicopter amounted to about $500,000.
The incident occurred on Airport Boulevard on the grounds of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
The Celebrate Freedom Foundation, a non-profit, has enlisted the helicopter to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEAM) in schools statewide. Annie is also a popular entry into local parades and it’s often seen at other educational and community events.