Helicopter crashes in Iowa

CHARLES CITY (AP) ? Authorities are investigating the crash of a helicopter being used as a crop duster near Charles City in northern Iowa.

The Globe Gazette in Mason City says the Iowa State Patrol says 54-year-old Michael Mullenbach, of St. Ansgar, was forced to crash land his helicopter on Tuesday because of an unidentified mechanical issue.

Mullenbach was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn. Hospital officials said he was still being evaluated late Tuesday afternoon.

This was the second crash of a crop dusting helicopter in north Iowa in two days. On Monday, a crop duster crashed near Joice.

The pilot in that crash refused treatment for scratches.