CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board is providing some details about the July 4 helicopter crash that killed seven people, including coal magnate Chris Cline.
The report, released Tuesday, states the helicopter began spinning before it crashed into the ocean near the Bahamas.
A witness told investigators they saw the helicopter rotate to the left three or four times before a whooshing sound and the sound of the helicopter hitting the ocean. What caused the crash was not detailed.
The aircraft was en route to Florida to get two passengers medical treatment.
The helicopter was found upside-down with its rotor blades separated. The aircraft is now at a secure site in the United States.
The board could take up to two years to conduct a full investigation.