Helicopter Crashes in South Florida During Firefighter Training Exercise

A Blackhawk helicopter with four people inside crashed during a training exercise near Leedsburg International Airport on May 25.

Preliminary investigations show the helicopter went into a tailspin and at some point, its tail separated, according to WKMG, an Orlando area TV station. First responders found the helicopter’s tail on the airport runway and the body in the marsh.

One person is confirmed dead. Crews are still searching through debris to find the other three who are presumed dead, according to Leesburg police and fire-rescue.

Leesburg Police Capt. Joe Iozzi told the Miami Herald that the wooded, swampy area has made it difficult for rescue crews to reach and search the crash site.

The helicopter belonged to Brainerd/Firehawk Helicopters, a private company that does contract firefighting at the airport. The company frequently performs training exercises in the area.

Public safety will not release victims’ names until it completes family notifications and the National Transportation Safety Board completes its preliminary investigation.