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Pilot killed in gyrocopter crash in Polk County

The pilot was in a gyrocopter when it crashed and landed in a cotton field.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

The pilot was in a gyrocopter when it crashed and landed in a cotton field.
By
Nov 4, 2019

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.

RELATED: 2 men killed when small plane crashes into DeKalb townhouse

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.

RELATED: Investigation underway after pilot due to perform at air show ejects from plane  

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.

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About the Author

Asia Simone Burns is a watchdog reporter for the AJC. Burns was formerly an intern in AJC’s newsroom and now writes about crime. She is a graduate of Samford University and has previously reported for NPR and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR member station.

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