Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) -- Records filed with the FAA show an Atlanta police helicopter had been repaired or modified 17 times before crashing into a utility pole Nov. 3, killing two police officers.

The files, obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and WSB-TV detail an extensive list of modifications which took place in the past seven years.

New electronics, including heat sensors, sirens, communications equipment, a GPS system and an anti-theft system were among other upgrades installed. In 2005, the helicopter's engine was replaced.

The aircraft was built in 1967 and was donated to the Atlanta Police Department from the U.S. Army in 1996 for the Olympic Games.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, and told the newspaper it will issue findings in about a year.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)