Sheriff: Helicopter blades struck, killed man at Florida airport
A 62-year-old man was hit in the head and killed while working on a helicopter at a Florida airport, authorities said Thursday.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to an incident near the hangars at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport on Thursday. Authorities said that two men were using a power cart to jumpstart a helicopter when, for an unknown reason, the chopper suddenly jerked up and came down.
The helicopter's motion caused the main rotor blades to strike one of the men in the head, killing him instantly, the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Authorities identified the man as Salvatore Disi.
At a news conference, Sheriff Al Nienhuis said there was no immediate sign of foul play. He added that his office had contacted the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.
"Obviously a death that is a little bit unusual ... and we want to make sure we have all the answers," said Nienhuis, WFLA-TV reported. "It's tragic that those individuals are not going to be able to give their loved one a hug again."
The incident remains under investigation.
More: Newlyweds killed in helicopter crash while leaving their wedding in Texas
Also: New York helicopter crash kills 2 utility workers
Contributing: Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sheriff: Helicopter blades struck, killed man at Florida airport
