The helicopter used, registration number N7891B a Bell 47G-2, was lost in a crash in 1974 according to the Aviation Safety Network website. The site reports the incident happened near Wapato in Washington State. No fatalities were reported but the helicopter was written off due to damage.
Suspect Nolan Wilbur steals a blue colored 1958 Plymouth Belvedere Convertible at the Service Station. Pilot Bob Gilbreath (uncredited) but referred to by Dan Mathews as "Grady,"died in an unrelated helicopter crash on 07/01/1961. Gilbreath along with two National Forest Rangers, were on fire lookout patrol in Sequoia National Forest when their helicopter went down.