Video: Escalator helicopter stunt's shattering crash at Colorado Springs mall

How many seconds of video does it take for someone to secure momentary Internet fame? In the case of one Joe Szklarski, the answer is six. That's the length of a clip showing him trying and failing to execute a stunt known as the escalator helicopter -- one that goes...

By Michael Roberts

March 29, 2013

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How many seconds of video does it take for someone to secure momentary Internet fame? In the case of one Joe Szklarski, the answer is six. That's the length of a clip showing him trying and failing to execute a stunt known as the escalator helicopter -- one that goes awry in a way that actually breaks said escalator at a Colorado Springs mall. Number of views on the clip so far? Well over 200,000. See the masterpiece below, along with several other videos showing the escalator helicopter stunt done properly -- or not.

Joe Szklarski's six seconds of fame:

This one works -- although it looks like it hurts:

Looks relaxing....

A good spin, followed by some bad spins:

Finally, the Joe Szklarski dance remix:

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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