HAI Website > Home��::

HAI Website > Home��::: "It may be one of the most dramatic events to take place in the history of the Southern Oregon Coast that most Oregonians have never heard about. On September 10, 1957, a young pilot in a small helicopter single-handedly rescued 15 sailors from a dredge sinking in the entrance to the Coos Bay channel. It was believed to be the largest rescue by helicopter – and by a single pilot – a record that stood for over a decade. Wes Lematta founded Columbia Helicopters just five months before taking part in the amazing rescue. Working as a truck driver during the week and selling rides at county fairs on the weekends, Lematta struggled early to give his fledgling company the boost it needed."