Helicopter Fatality in Dodge County

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UPDATED Thursday, July 24, 2008 --- 9:05 a.m.
Thursday, July 24, 2008 --- 8 a.m.

The Dodge County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating a fatal incident in the Town of Leroy, north of Mayville and just east of the Horicon Marsh.

A helicopter was being inspected by the pilot, when the pilot was struck in the head by the rear rotor blade. The subject, a 70-year-old man from Florida, was deceased at the scene.

Acccording to the Associated Press, sheriff's officials say a preliminary investigation shows the helicopter could not fully lift off because it was overloaded with crop dusting material. The pilot returned to the ground, got out of the helicopter and was struck by a rear rotor blade.

Authorities responded about 7 a.m. Thursday and are still investigating.

NBC 15 has crews headed to the scene, stay with NBC 15 and nbc15.com as we follow this story.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Pogo Location: Florida on Jul 28, 2008 at 06:18 AM
This pilot and his wife were our neighbors! This is TRAJIC to say the least. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Please call if we can help!!!

Posted by: Mike Location: Madison on Jul 24, 2008 at 09:03 PM
Oh Dear God! Oh... what a horrible way to die! all my times I worked around medical choppers, the air crews were always, always telling us to stay clear, approach from the side, down low, and follow the craft body around, but not to move away from touching the side of the chopper! What was he doing out at the end of the tail boom? Who shut the chopper down? Who called 911? Oh Lord, there wasn't someone else trying to lift while he was doing a walk around, and they didn't have pressure on the pedals to keep the boom from swinging w/ the main rotor force, did they? Oh! I hope not, oh I hope not. how horrible it would be to live knowing you did that to someone if that is what happened! I think it would explain who shut the chopper down and called for help though.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:59 PM
There was another helicopter accident yesterday up by marrinett, wisc. This had to be pretty bad though if his head came into contact with the blades though.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: madison on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:52 AM
what a terrible tragedy for this pilot's family. We all make mistakes in our profession, particularly things that have become habit for us. I draw blood from my patients everyday, but that doesn't mean I'll never be stuck by mistake with a needle. I hope the family knows that even through this dark and painful time, the Lord is walking beside them. May He give them the peace and support they need as they mourn.

Posted by: Brenda on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Accidents happen. How terrible.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I personally know this pilot and that was one thing he always stressed was to stay clear of the rotors. I think there is more to the story.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:18 AM
that's no good. though if he was the pilot you would think they would be aware of the spinning rotors. rip.

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