The helicopter that crashed.
ALM BAY, Fla. - Three people are dead in a helicopter crash in The Compound area of Brevard County.
The six-blade Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, which was operating out of Melbourne Airport, was reported at 1:35 p.m. at The Compound at Sapodilla Road and Wingham Road. A Public Works employee called 911 after witnessing the crash.
Police said the helicopter was reportedly flying low and is an older military-style aircraft, but was not believed to have been operating in any kind of military capacity.
News 6 partner Florida Today reports the aircraft was reportedly fully engulfed in flames, on the ground, when it was located. The helicopter is privately owned and operated out of Orlando Melbourne International Airport and was performing test flights in the area, investigators told Florida Today.
The victims have not been identified, pending next-of-kin notification.Police said they believe the victims are not members of the military.
Police said there is no threat to the general public, but residents are asked to stay clear of the area
======================
ERIN DOOLEY
Updated 6 mins ago
Three people have been killed in a helicopter crash in Palm Bay, Florida, authorities told ABC News.
"My understanding is that no one walked away," Brevard County Fire Rescue Public Information Officer Don Walker said of the accident.
The Sikorsky S-61N crashed approximately 10 miles southwest of the Melbourne International Airport this afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
According to the Palm Bay Police Department, the chopper -- a "military style aircraft" that was not operating in any military capacity -- was reportedly "flying low."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
=======
Date:
06-SEP-2016 | |
Time: | 13.35LT |
Type: | Sikorsky S-61N |
Owner/operator: | EP Aviation |
Registration: | N805AR |
C/n / msn: | 61717 |
Fatalities: | Fatalities: 3 / Occupants: |
Airplane damage: | Written off (damaged beyond repair) |
Location: | Palm Bay, FL - United States of America |
Phase: | En route |
Nature: | |
Departure airport: | Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) |
Crashed about 10 miles from Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB). Post crash fire.
: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/1-dead-in-reported-helicopter-down-in-palm-bay-officials-say
http://www.aviationdb.com/Aviation/Aircraft/8/N805AR.shtm
http://abcnews.go.com/US/killed-helicopter-crash-florida/story?id=41900753
=====================
EP Aviation LLC is an aviation company that owns and leases aircrafts. The company is based in Mclean, Virginia. As of April 7, 2010, EP Aviation LLC operates as a subsidiary of AAR Corp.