WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — A preliminary investigation suggests that a helicopter fell at a rate of two miles per minute before crashing in Virginia.
The crash killed the pilot and a woman living in a condominium in Williamsburg on July 8. The Daily Press reported Wednesday that the National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary findings July 20.
The report said 85-year-old pilot Henry Schwarz took off from Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport and reached an altitude of 1,700 feet before plunging downward.
Witnesses said the aircraft flew at a low altitude before crashing in the condo, killing 91-year-old Jean Lonchak Danylko.
The aircraft was last inspected in August and received an oil change in January. The fuel tanks were full. Schwarz was also an experienced pilot.
A final report is expected in 12 to 24 months.
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