Plane company experienced fantastic security file ahead of deadly Black Hawk crash in Leesburg

LEESBURG, Fla. – A federal contractor recognized for its firefighting aircraft providers that owned the Black Hawk helicopter in a fatal crash Tuesday experienced no prior reported incidents, federal data present.

The Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a education workout Tuesday evening around the Leesburg airport. Leesburg metropolis officers explained all four crew members died and their bodies have been recovered in the wreckage. Federal authorities have not unveiled their names nevertheless.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was conducting a drinking water drop exercising and misplaced control of the bucket producing the rotor segment to different. The chopper went down in a wooded place near the airport and caught fireplace.

[TRENDING: Black Hawk helicopter crashes in Fla.; no survivors found | Video: Supermoon eclipse | Man killed while teaching son to drive]

The FAA and the National Transportation Protection Bureau are investigating the crash.

The plane in the crash is registered to Brainerd Helicopters Inc./Firehawk Helicopters. Leesburg police mentioned the business is contracted out by local governments, and the federal federal government, throughout the nation.

Firehawk Helicopters, also known as Brainerd Helicopters, is a family-operate organization that has been in procedure due to the fact 1973. The organization is primarily based out of the Leesburg airport and has operations in Idaho.

Right up until Tuesday’s lethal crash, FAA and NTSB knowledge indicates the enterprise experienced an exceptional security file, with no reported incidents.

In a the latest job interview with a helicopter trade firm, the company’s vice president stated Firehawk has a fleet of 12 aircraft, including 9 Black Hawk S70 UH-60 helicopters.

“Firefighting has grown into our main business. We’ve been accomplishing it because 1987,” Bart Brainerd explained to Helicopter Affiliation International. “We also do approved burning, study and enhancement examination flying, aerial design, motion picture and Tv set output, as most little helicopter organizations. No matter what pays the expenses.”

Brainerd Helicopters has been awarded more than $180 million in contracts with the federal federal government for firefighting and other expert services because 2007, documents exhibit.

The company also conducts firefighting functions in Australia, mentioned Brainerd.