The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday released a preliminary report on the June twenty-second helicopter crash in Logan County.
Six people died in the incident. The initial report from investigators identified the victims as a private pilot, two “pilot rated” passengers and three additional passengers.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the helicopter struck a rock face just over three miles east of Logan County Airport. The incident occurred 15 minutes after the helicopter’s takeoff from the airport at approximately 4:45 p.m.
According to the report, the aircraft “came to rest partially inverted on its right side on an asphalt road” on Blair Mountain Highway near Kelly Hollow Road after hitting the rock face. Two utility cables were broken during the crash and found near the main wreckage site. Investigators stated the cockpit and cabin landed on the road and guardrail before being consumed by the post impact fire.
Moreover, the report states there were no known witnesses to the accident.
Investigators also reported additional wreckage, including pieces of Plexiglass and part of a tail rotor blade, found forty feet above the wreckage on a ledge of the rock face.
Flights involving the helicopter were part of the seventh annual "Huey Reunion" at the Logan County Airport.
The flight was the final scheduled flight of the day.
The report is preliminary and subject to change before the final report is completed.