Laptop falls from helicopter, nearly hits Minn boy

A laptop computer that fell from an airborne medical helicopter came within inches of hitting a 10-year-old St. Cloud boy.

Grayson Peterka jokes about it now, but his father says Grayson could have been seriously hurt.

The helicopter had just left St. Cloud Hospital on Saturday evening. The crew apparently left the laptop on the helicopter's skid.

Grayson tells WCCO the low-flying helicopter made a turn, causing the laptop to hit the ground with the sound of a gunshot.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

His aunt called the hospital. Within minutes an apologetic security guard and flight nurse were at the door.

The family says it knows the medical crew's work is important and the forgotten laptop was an honest mistake. They say they're glad no one was hurt.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

---

Information from: WCCO-AM

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)