Man falls 40 meters from helicopter and escapes hurt in Austria

A man plummeted 40 meters (130 feet) from a helicopter Monday but escaped injury because deep snow cushioned his fall.

The 42-year-old was suspended from the helicopter by a rope to make repairs when the knot came undone and he slipped free, police in the Upper Austria town of Hallstatt said in a statement.

Although a fall from that height normally would result in death or serious injury, the deep snow drifts broke the man's fall, officials said. He was taken by rescue helicopter to a nearby hospital for a medical checkup as a precaution but appeared to have no injuries, they said, reports the AP.

D.M.