Early Friday morning, members of Marlinton Fire and Rescue, Frost Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service responded to a helicopter crash on Browns Mountain in Huntersville.
The helicopter, a Sikorsky Blackhawk, owned by Waco Oil and Gas, was attempting to land at Ike Morris’ property along Rt. 39.
The pilot, identified by local sources, as Leo Basile, 57, of Arthurdale, appeared to be circling, perhaps trying to find the landing area. Fog may have been a factor in disorienting Basile.
Browns Mountain’s thick, forested terrain and lack of ingress by road or foot path made accessing the crash site difficult.
The crash is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
