New Mexico State Police unveiled its new Airbus H145 helicopter Jan. 10 and Sunday conducted its first rescue. Courtesy/NMSP

CIBOLA COUNTY – At approximately 7 a.m. Sunday, the New Mexico State Police Special Operations Aircraft Section was contacted to assist in locating a 40-year-old male motorcyclist who was lost and stuck in the mud near Mt. Taylor in a wilderness area north east of Grants.

The motorcyclist had been out since the prior evening.

The individual’s cell phone battery had died, and it was reported he did not have proper clothing for the weather and may be out of food and water.

The New Mexico State Police Helicopter, call sign ABLE 7, consisting of a pilot and two tactical flight officers was launched to the area to try and locate the lost individual.

At approximately 10 a.m., ABLE 7 located the individual in a wooded area about 15 miles north east of Mount Taylor at an elevation of 8,500 feet.

ABLE 7 safely landed and the crew loaded the individual onto the helicopter. The man did not appear to have any life-threatening injuries. The man was transported by ABLE 7 to the Double Eagle Airport to a waiting ambulance where he was medically evaluated.

“I’m very happy with the outcome of this incident,” NMSP Chief Tim Johnson said. “The response of ABLE 7 and its crew most certainly saved this gentleman’s life.”

The New Mexico State Police unveiled its new helicopter, an Airbus H145 just two months ago, Jan. 10 and this incident is the first rescue mission performed by the new ABLE 7.