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Pilot dies in gyrocopter crash at Billings airport

Posted at 3:03 PM, Sep 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-12 20:35:45-04

BILLINGS – A 74-year-old male pilot of an experimental gyrocopter died Wednesday afternoon after crashing into a hangar at Billings Logan International Airport.

The call came at 12:43 p.m. when an onlooker saw the crash on the far west end of Billings Logan International Airport, Billings Police Lt. Brandon Wooley said.

Authorities are uncertain if the pilot died in the crash or had health problems prior. No one else appeared to be in the rotorcraft when it crashed.

A gyrocopter is similar to a helicopter, but the blades are self-propelling instead of being controlled by a motor.

The Yellowstone County coroner was on the scene. Billings police, Billings firefighters and airport police also responded.

Wooley said Federal Aviation Administration officials will conduct an investigation.

This is a developing story.