Helicopter plunges into Meramec River near Sullivan; All four onboard survive

A helicopter carrying four people plunged into the Meramec River near Meramec State Park on Thursday afternoon, resulting in a dramatic water crash that left all occupants with only minor injuries, officials said.

The crash occurred around 1:00-1:30 pm local time on January 29, 2026, near Sullivan, a town situated approximately 70 miles south of St. Louis along Interstate 44 and Historic Route 66. Emergency responders, including the Sullivan Fire Protection District, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Missouri Department of Natural Resources personnel, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the helicopter went down in the river.

According to official statements, the helicopter was conducting an aerial ecological survey of Meramec State Park when it likely struck overhead power lines, causing it to crash into the water.


There were four people on board the aircraft: Three members of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources state parks team and one private pilot

All four occupants were rescued from the river and transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital for evaluation and care. Despite the severity of the incident, all survived and were reported with only minor injuries.

First responders executed a coordinated rescue operation involving rescue swimmers deployed into the Meramec River and emergency medical services standing by for transport.

Once clear of the water, the helicopter occupants “made their way to a roadway where they were picked up by a passerby,” according to official remarks, before being brought to waiting ambulances.

Kurt Schaefer, the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, expressed gratitude toward first responders and confirmed that all involved “appear to be okay” as investigators continue to gather details on the crash.

While the investigation is ongoing, early reports indicate that the helicopter may have collided with powerlines before entering the river, a known hazard in low-level flight operations such as aerial surveys.

Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies are expected to participate in the detailed examination of the accident in the coming days.

Water levels in the Meramec River at the site of the crash were reported as normal at the time of the incident, with surface readings around 2.8 to 3 feet, conditions that likely aided in the survival of those aboard.