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LAS VEGAS (AP) - Authorities investigating a Las Vegas search-and-rescue officer's fatal fall say they haven't found any abnormalities in the winch equipment or harness used during the ill-fated helicopter mission.
The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report Tuesday on the July 22 accident that killed David Vanbuskirk.
Vanbuskirk and four other crew members had been working to rescue a hiker who was stranded on a ledge at Mt. Charleston. Police say he had strapped in the hiker and was being hoisted up when he somehow fell.
The hiker was pulled to safety.
Vanbuskirk was buried with honors Monday following a long police vehicle procession down the Las Vegas Strip and a funeral that drew thousands.
NTSB's preliminary report is the first step of an investigation that's expected to take months.
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