Airport worker killed by helicopter blades

BROOKSVILLE, FLA. – Authorities say a man was hit in the head by the main rotor blades and killed while working on a helicopter at a west Florida airport.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office says 62-year-old Salvatore Disi died Thursday afternoon near the hangars at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport.

The airport is located about 40 miles north of Tampa.

Officials say two men were using a power cart to jumpstart a helicopter when, for an unknown reason, the helicopter suddenly jerked up and then came down. The sheriff's statement says the motion caused the main rotor blades to strike Disi in the head, killing him instantly.

A sheriff ’s office source said the injury can be classified as a decapitation, Tampa Bay television station WFLA- Ch. 8 reported.

During a news conference, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis told reporters investigators don’t suspect foul play, but a full investigation will take place.

“Obviously, a death that is a little unusual...and we want to make sure we have all the answers, Nienhuis said.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.