Friday, June 5, 2015

1 WORKER KILLED IN HELICOPTER REPAIR ACCIDENT AT RITEL COPTER SERVICE, INC IN IOWA











JUNE 5, 2015

HUDSON, BLACK HAWK COUNTY, IOWA (KWWL) -
UPDATE:
The Black Hawk County, Iowa Sheriff's Office confirms a fatal workplace accident at 2838 West Tama Road this morning.

The accident happened while maintenance was being done on a stationary helicopter.
The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office says the accident remains under investigation and deputies will release more details once family members have been notified.

PREVIOUS STORY:

Emergency crews are on the scene of 2838 West Tama Road, Hudson, in Black Hawk County, IA 50643, for what has been described as a helicopter repair accident.

KWWL crews say one person died as a result of the accident, which happened near the tail of the helicopter.  It was reported around 10:30 this morning.
Multiple sheriff cars, and an ambulance were at the scene.  Deputies confirmed a work-related accident, but wouldn't give further details.
A website lists the location as RITEL Copter Service, Inc. - a business that helps farmers and seed companies with aerial applications services.
According to its website, Ritel Copter Service is a family-owned business established by Richard and Thelma Green in 1970.
The business says it primarily uses Bell 47 helicopters to apply pesticides.

The company was also involved in a lawsuit after a helicopter crash during the filming of the movie, "The Final Season."
Source: http://www.kwwl.com