Model helicopter enthusiasts and park-goers looked on in horror Thursday as a teen was struck and instantly killed by his own remote-controlled helicopter in a Brooklyn park. Roman Pirozek Jr., 19, apparently lost control of his model helicopter while trying to perform a trick. The copter sliced off the top of his head and part of his shoulder as his father and fellow RC helicopter enthusiasts were watching, law enforcement officials said.
The helicopter enthusiast and his father were avid hobbyists and could often be found flying their high-end copters in local parks. The accident occurred in Calvert Vaux Park in Gravesend, a neighborhood in the south-central section of Brooklyn. Pirozek was recognized nationally for his elaborate choreographed routines with the model helicopters and would often travel to RC helicopter competitions. Pirozek would fly models with wingspans of up to 4 1/2 feet that can reach speeds of up to 60 mph.
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