A pilot was killed after crashing his helicopter north of Reedsville in Manitowoc County. The pilot was helping install transmission lines for American Transmission Co.
Neighbors reported seeing the helicopter earlier in the day and it's unclear what made the chopper crash "My heart goes out the families that were involved in this. what a terrible loss," said Steve Sorenson.
The NTSB is now leading an investigation into what happened. The helicopter is owned by the South Carolina company. But was contracted to help American Transmission Co. "We pride ourselves on our safety record at American Transmission Co. even our corporate office meetings begin with safety briefings so it's a tragic day," said Jackie Olson with American Transmission Co.
The pilots identity has not been released.
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American Transmission Company issues a statement concerning the fatal helicopter crash. The company says the pilot was involved in stringing wire along an ATC Transmission line between the Point Beach Nuclear Plant and the Forest Junction Substation. Read the statement: http://www.atcllc.com/whats-current/statement-regarding-helicopter-crash-in-manitowoc-county-wis/
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The crash is located in a remote and swampy area at 19420 Marquette Road, according to the Manitowoc County Sheriff. The helicopter and pilot had been assisting construction crews with the installation of transmission lines.
Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Reedsville Fire Department and First Responders, Collins Fire Department, Kellnersville Fire Department, Wayside Fire Department and the Valders Ambulance. Manitowoc County Coroner Curt Green is currently on scene assisting.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are currently responding to the scene.
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UPDATED: According to the Federal Aviation Administration, an MD 369E helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances near Reedsville this morning. Law enforcement officials have stated that the pilot was on board and was a fatality. FAA officials will be going to the scene to begin an investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation and only the NTSB can offer additional information.
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The Manitowoc County Joint Dispatch Center received a call at 10:02 a.m. of a helicopter crash in the town of Maple Grove in Manitowoc County. Initial reports indicate that the incident occurred at 19420 Marquette Road and that the pilot was the lone occupant at the time of the crash.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Personnel are on scene along with other emergency personnel at this time. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
NBC26 is sending a crew to the scene and will update this breaking news story as information becomes available.
