Police issue update after Rhode Island helicopter crash with two aboard

The South Kingstown Police Department today released additional information about the helicopter crash in Worden Pond.

At approximately 8:24 a.m., a 911 call came in with a report of a helicopter in Worden Pond. South Kingstown Police, Union Fire and EMS were dispatched and when they arrived on scene, they met Robert Buscher, age 62, of South Kingstown, who had been fishing on his boat on Worden Pond. He had responded to the downed helicopter and helped the two occupants get out of the water.

The operator of the helicopter, 54-year-old Jeff Codman was treated and released at the scene. The passenger, Amira Malik, was transported to South County Hospital with minor injuries. Both are employees of REGENT Craft, a North Kingstown manufacturer of sea gliders. At the time of the crash, they were testing downward-facing sensors on the water. The helicopter is leased from Nantucket Helicopters, LLC.

“I want to thank the quick-thinking and actions of Mr. Buscher who immediately responded to
the scene,” said Matthew C. Moynihan, Chief of Police for South Kingstown. “Police, fire, and
rescue arrived quickly and were then able to assess and treat the occupants. Water temperatures are quite low, and this was great teamwork and a good outcome for all involved.”