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Maryland Department of State Police

Maryland State Police Aviation Command Performs an Aerial Rescue for an Injured Hiker in Grant County, West Virginia

News |

(CABINS, WV) – A Maryland State Police helicopter rescued an injured man Saturday morning after he fell while hiking in a remote area in Grant County, West Virginia. 

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on June 13, 2026, rescue personnel from Grant County, West Virginia, were dispatched to a remote area on Chimney Top for a person who had fallen while hiking. Due to the victim’s remote location, extended extrication time, and the nature of the victim’s injuries, the Maryland State Police Aviation Command was requested to perform an aerial hoist rescue.

Trooper 5, the MSP helicopter based in Cumberland, Maryland, was dispatched to the mission by the SYSCOM Duty Officer.

While local rescuers and EMS crews were unable to reach the victim due to the rugged terrain, Trooper 5 located the injured victim while overhead. A Trooper/Rescue Technician was lowered down through a clearing in the trees to reach the victim and prepare him for extraction. The patient was then hoisted into the helicopter using a Patient Extrication Platform (PEP) device.

Once the patient was safely in the aircraft, the flight crew transitioned into a medical evacuation role and transported the victim to WVU Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia, for further assessment and treatment. The flight crew of Trooper 5 utilized the Agusta Westland AW-139 helicopter to perform the rescue.

The MSPAC has served since 1970 and operates a fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters from seven bases in Maryland. Each aircraft provides round-the-clock coverage to Maryland residents and visitors. The agency’s missions include medevac, law enforcement, search and rescue, homeland security and disaster assessment. The success of the missions relies heavily on the cooperative efforts of local fire, rescue, EMS, law enforcement agencies and partner agencies.

Click here to view video of the hoist.

CONTACT: First Sergeant Jeffrey Leppert, (301) 777-8401 
Maryland State Police Aviation Command - Cumberland Section