Pilot killed in gyrocopter crash in Polk County

A pilot died when the gyrocopter he was flying crashed in Polk County on Monday afternoon, officials said.

The aircraft landed in a cotton field between Collard Valley and Wyatt roads about 1:30 p.m., Polk County police Chief Kenny Dodd told AJC.com.

It’s not clear what led to the crash. Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident, Dodd said.

A gyrocopter is an aircraft that has spinning blades at the top and resembles a helicopter, but is pushed forward by a propeller located in the back of the vehicle.

Investigators are working to identify the pilot, who is not from the area, and notify next of kin, Dodd said. No other details were released.

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

In other news:

It's been 40 years since a crime spree began and led to the death or disappearance of dozens of Atlanta children.

About the Author

Robert Banks, longtime film, TV actor dies

Teamsters trash collectors in Alpharetta area end months-long strike

A labor contract struck in Georgia is the final deal to end strikes by local Teamsters unions that started in July at several Republic Services locations across the country.

Atlanta Pride Parade: Meet some faces in the crowd

An estimated 100,000 people gathered in Midtown Atlanta — a wide range of LGBTQ+ people and allies — to celebrate diversity and inclusion at 2025’s Atlanta Pride Parade.

The Latest

Credit: The DJB Foundation, Inc.