Man decapitated in helicopter accident at Florida airport, sheriff says

Death investigation underway

BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – A man was decapitated in a helicopter accident at a Florida airport Thursday, according to the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded about 3:35 p.m. to reports of a death at the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport.

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MEDIA RELEASE Man Killed in Helicopter Accident at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport On 01-10-19 at about 3:35...

Posted by Hernando County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, January 10, 2019

A 911 caller said that he and the victim were using a power cart to jumpstart a helicopter when, for an unknown reason, the helicopter suddenly jerked up and then came down, according to the sheriff's office. The main rotor blades struck the victim in the head.

The injury can be classified as a decapitation, a source from the sheriff's office told WFLA.

The victim was identified as Salvatore Disi, 62. He was killed instantly, investigators said.

Foul play is not suspected, but a full investigation will take place, according to Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis.

"Obviously a death that is a little bit unusual, and we want to make sure that we have all the answers," Nienhuis told WFLA.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have been contacted, officials said.

Watch WFLA's report below:


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Brian is an Associate Producer for ClickOnDetroit. He graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a degree in Journalism and Screen Studies.