[RiversEdge]

A tragic incident occurred on April 4, 2019, in Hillsborough County, Florida, resulting in the death of 72-year-old Deodat Persaud Gangapersaud. The incident involved a small, private helicopter, a 2019 Robinson R-44, experiencing engine failure and crashing near the intersection of 50th Street and Palm River Road in Palm River at 2:21 p.m.

As the helicopter descended, one of its rotor blades struck a northbound Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck driven by Ryan Anthony Persaud, 35, of Dover. Deodat Persaud Gangapersaud, a passenger in the truck and the father of the driver, was fatally injured by the rotor blade. The driver, Ryan Persaud, sustained minor injuries. The helicopter's pilot, Bryant Thomas Messick, 39, of Bradenton, and co-pilot, Joshua James Wells, 21, of Pinellas Park, survived the crash. Messick was later treated for heat exhaustion and dehydration.

This unusual and unfortunate accident drew responses from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The National Transport and Safety Authority and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding this tragic event​​.

[kellyhound]

still a nice landing but too bad someone died

[durt]

Yes, lots of traffic and wires!

[christianbeccy]

Oh surprise surprise, a Robinson R44.