A Bell 206L-4 helicopter, owned by Helicopter Applicators Inc. of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, crashed into a cornfield near Interstate 70 in Clark County, Ohio on Saturday, July 29.
The aircraft, which was engaged in aerial applications of herbicides and insecticides on farmland, collided with power lines a little after noon before plummeting into the field, authorities confirmed.
The pilot, identified as 36-year-old Isaac Lee Santos from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, died in the crash. Upon responding to the scene, state troopers pronounced Santos dead.
The accident caused disruptions and danger on the busy highway, as power lines collapsed onto both the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-70.
This led to a chain reaction of minor crashes involving seven vehicles. Fortunately, there were no other reported injuries among the motorists involved.
The aftermath of the crash required action from Ohio Edison crews, who worked to restore power to the affected area. Consequently, the highway was closed for approximately five hours, causing traffic delays and inconvenience for commuters.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have initiated investigations into the incident. Additionally, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is conducting its own inquiry.