HUNTERSVILLE, W.Va. — The pilot for WACO Oil & Gas was killed in a helicopter crash Friday morning in Pocahontas County.
The company confirmed its employee, Leo Basile, 57, of Arthurdale, was killed in the wreck near Huntersville.
According to both the FAA and NTSB, the crash occurred at around 7:45 a.m. Basile was the only one on board the Sikorsky S-76D helicopter, the agencies said.
State police said the wreck occurred near 6755 Huntersville Road and said Basile was pronounced dead at the scene.
Huntersville is about six miles from Marlinton. Ike Morris, the well-known owner of WACO Oil & Gas, has a cabin in that area. A company spokesperson said Basile was traveling to what had been a weeklong gathering at the property.
State Police have secured the site until NTSB investigators arrive.
The helicopter, which had 14 seats and two engines, was certified by the FAA in August 2024.
Further updates about the investigation will come from the NTSB.