Helicopter crash into Lake Apopka followed by second crash on same day
Two helicopters used for agricultural purposes crashed into Lake Apopka about 12 hours apart Tuesday, officials said.
The first aircraft was a Bell 206B helicopter that was conducting an agriculture operation around Apopka at 7:15 a.m., according to Eva Ngai, a spokeswoman with the Federal Aviation Administration. She said in a statement the FAA does not yet know how many people were on board.
Around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, another helicopter crashed into the large lake, which stretches across Lake and
Orange counties. Only the pilot was on board, authorities said. The aircraft was identified as a Bell OH-58A helicopter that specializes in aerial surveying, patrolling, and agriculture and pest control services.
One pilot was taken to the hospital. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are still conducting investigations.
A recovery team was floating the helicopter from the second crash onto shore Wednesday morning, NTSB investigator Tim Monville said.
At least one of the helicopters was contracted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to provide an unspecified service in Lake Apopka, a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff ’s Office said.
A representative at FWC was not immediately available to respond to questions.
Helicopter crashes don’t happen often. Over the last 10 years, only three helicopter crashes were recorded in Orlando, according to data collected by the NTSB.
In 2015, a helicopter impacted a two-story residence in Orlando killing the private pilot and two passengers. The two other crashes did not result in serious injuries.