Phoenix Woman Burned by Falling Helicopter Fuel
Army Helicopter Allegedly Dumped Fuel Over Valley Neighborhoods
If you thought the only things falling from the sky in the Valley were sunshine and the occasional haboob dust, think again. Residents near the Phoenix-Tempe border got an unwelcome surprise on February 5 when what appeared to be aviation fuel rained down on their homes, cars, and at least one very unlucky eyeball.
Phoenix resident Stephanie Bagorio was outside when she felt what she initially mistook for a light rain. The droplets turned out to be something far worse. She ended up in the emergency room after the substance caused chemical burns to her eye. Neighbors near 45th Street and Broadway described a low-flying helicopter passing overhead, leaving behind a sticky, fuel-smelling residue that coated vehicles and lingered for days.
Both Phoenix and Tempe fire crews responded to multiple reports that evening. Tempe officials confirmed calls came in from the Priest Drive and 10th Street area, as well as 6th Street and Wilson. While Tempe reported no injuries and said the fuel dissipated quickly, the Phoenix side of the story was messier.
The U.S. Army acknowledged it is aware of an incident involving an Army aircraft and a possible fuel release near Tempe. The Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs clarified this was an active-duty Army helicopter, not a National Guard aircraft. The Army's statement was long on vagueness and short on answers, citing an ongoing investigation.
Here's the thing most Valley residents probably don't know. Fuel dumps happen in aviation, but they're supposed to occur at high altitudes so the fuel atomizes before reaching the ground. They also aren't supposed to happen over neighborhoods where people are, you know, living their lives.
Residents understandably want to know why a military helicopter was flying low enough to shower their homes with jet fuel and what the Army plans to do about it.