SPRINGFIELD — Troopers of the Springfield Post of the Ohio State Highway are investigating a fatal helicopter crash that occurred Saturday, July 29, near Interstate Route 70 near milepost 58 in the Township of Springfield, Clark County.
Troopers report the pilot of the helicopter, Isaac Lee Santos, 36, from Gettysburg, Pa., was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash, which occurred at 12:12 p.m.
The preliminary investigation showed a Bell 206L-4 Helicopter, operated by Santos, was flying near Interstate Route 70 when the helicopter struck power lines. The helicopter lost control and crashed into a field.
Power lines fell onto westbound and eastbound lanes of Interstate Route 70, which caused seven vehicles to be involved in minor crashes. No other injuries were reported.
The highway was closed in both directions for approximately 5 hours while Ohio Edison removed the high voltage lines from Interstate Route 70. Ohio Edison crews were working over the weekend to restore power to the area.
The helicopter, a Bell 206L-4, was being used by the aerial application business “Helicopter Applicators Inc”, based out of Gettysburg, Pa.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Township Fire Department and Clark County EMA. The incident remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the FAA and NTSB.