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Emergency at Disney: Helicopter Forced to Land After Mid-Air Leak

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Credit: Disney, Canva, yup_its_Jared on Reddit

Reports are emerging that a helicopter was slated to perform a routine task at Disneyland Resort, specifically executing a maneuver known as the “Dumbo Drop.” This operation involved lifting an elephant prop from the Jungle Cruise attraction for maintenance. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. During the procedure, the pilot discovered they had a fuel leak, which necessitated immediate action.

This incident unfolded over key areas of the park, leading to the temporary closure of sections, including the Esplanade and parts of the Hollywood Backlot. The unexpected circumstances created a notable disturbance within the usually vibrant atmosphere of Disneyland.

As guests at the park observed the helicopter flying lower than usual, anxiety rippled through the crowd. Disneyland cast members quickly responded to ensure safety, prompting caution throughout the park.

Related: Helicopter Crashes En Route From Disneyland to LAX, Killing All 23 Aboard

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Credit: Kaleb Tapp, Unsplash

Pilot’s Quick Response: Ensuring Safety

Upon noticing the fuel leak, the pilot reportedly acted swiftly to mitigate risks. The immediate priority was to navigate the helicopter safely away from the most densely populated areas.

Reports indicate that the pilot directed the helicopter across renowned areas of Disneyland, traversing the Esplanade, Hollywood Backlot, and parts of Avengers Campus. Their decision-making process was crucial in maintaining safety, ensuring the helicopter avoided populated zones while preparing for an emergency landing.

The pilot’s quick thinking was pivotal in preserving the safety of both crew and guests. Faced with a distressing situation, the priority remained to land the helicopter without further complications. The decision to exit the park was made cautiously, ensuring minimal disruption while prioritizing safety.

A group of people sits on a jungle-themed boat ride. A man wearing a safari outfit stands, holding binoculars to his eyes. A child in a green fairy costume points excitedly. Lush greenery surrounds the boat. Other passengers are engaged, looking in various directions.

Credit: Disney

Aftermath of the Incident: Park Operations

The aftermath of the helicopter incident required a series of immediate actions to ensure the safety of all park visitors. Several areas, notably the backlot and the Esplanade, were temporarily closed to facilitate cleanup and address the fuel leak. These closures impacted various attractions, including the highly-anticipated Animation Building, which did not open until later in the day.

Cast members quickly sprang into action, implementing safety measures and cleanup efforts. While no injuries were reported, some guests experienced discomfort due to the smell of spilled fuel. The focus seemingly remained on ensuring that operations resumed smoothly, a testament to Disneyland’s commitment to guest safety.

Helicopter. Yesterday. What. In the … ?
byu/yup_its_Jared inDisneyland

Teamwork in Crisis: Disneyland Staff’s Role

The incident showcased the exceptional teamwork among Disneyland cast members, particularly in their response to the emergency. Custodial teams swiftly initiated cleanup protocols, ensuring that affected areas were thoroughly addressed. Their efforts not only showcased professionalism but also highlighted the efficiency of Disneyland’s operations. One cast member shared the details of the event, saying:

CM here: wasn’t at work at the time but I know what happened thanks to my custodial buddies.

Helicopter was scheduled to do a “Dumbo Drop” which was pick up and take an elephant from Jungle Cruise for a repair. Around that time the pilot noticed his vehicle was in distress and he had a fuel leak. He moved across the Esplande, Hollywood backlot, and part of Avengers Campus before deciding to leave the area and make an emergency landing elsewhere.

This resulted in a good portion of the Backlot and Esplande being closed as the fuel leak was cleaned up and scrubbed for everyone’s safety. If you were there you might have noticed the Animation building for example didn’t open until around 10am.

Anyway, by all accounts, the pilot is safe and no injuries reported beyond some folks getting dripped on and given a chance to clean up and offered replacement clothing.

That’s all I know, like I said, I just heard about it as I came into work at night. Hope this helps. Glad everyone is safe.

Edit to add: props to Custodial CMs and all the cast that jumped into action to clean the area as quickly as possible. You all are rockstars.

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In conclusion, while the helicopter at Disney made an emergency landing due to a fuel leak, the incident was managed with professionalism and swift action. The responsible decision-making of the pilot, combined with the prompt and effective response of park staff, ensured safety and maintained the reputation of Disneyland as a place dedicated to guest welfare.

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

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