Two hours before a blimp crashed during the U.S. Open, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from a property owner who said the aircraft was scaring his cows.
According to a release from the sheriff’s office, the owner asked if he could, “...shoot it down?”
The dispatcher told him no, and a deputy went to meet with him. The sheriff’s office said, “The question was asked in a sarcastic manner, but could be construed as a vague threat.”
The deputy determined the man was not a threat to the aircraft during his visit.
After the crash, investigators immediately interviewed the complainant and he denied any involvement during a thorough interview.
The sheriff’s office said it has, “...no reason to believe foul play is involved with the crash of the aircraft,” and, “If any new information develops, it will be investigated.”
The NTSB is still investigating, and hope to determine the cause of the crash.
