U.S. News

Helicopter explodes outside LA, killing 1

Published: Nov. 26, 2012 at 3:50 PM

CORONA, Calif., Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A helicopter pilot was killed in a fiery explosion at a southern California airport, authorities say.

The Robinson R-44 exploded about 11 p.m. Sunday at Corona Municipal Airport, 25 miles east of Anaheim. The pilot, who had not been identified, was the only person aboard, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, reported Monday.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the blast occurred happened near the airport's fuel pumps, the TV station said.

Investigators said they believe the helicopter was in motion, though it was unclear if it was moving vertically or horizontally. The aircraft may have been taxiing when it clipped the canopy of the refueling area.

The pilot's body was severely burned. Authorities said dental records would be used to make an identification.

Topics: Ian Gregor

© 2012 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints

Most Popular Collections

'Star Trek Into Darkness' screening	NBC upfronts	Met Ball 2013
'Great Gatsby' premieres in New York	Spire raised on top of One WTC	2013: Celebrity break ups and divorces

Additional U.S. News Stories
Top News Cruz: More 'whacko birds' than McCain thinks WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- Senators who John McCain, R-Ariz., once called "whacko birds" are the real Republican mainstream, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, daring McCain to prove him wrong. Accused killer of police officer hangs himself in Utah jail Inslee: Temp bridge might sub for collapsed I-5 bridge Couple held after second child dies in 'faith-healing' WWII sex slaves from S. Korea won't meet with Japanese politician	Entertainment News Amanda Bynes released on her own recognizance after pot bust NEW YORK, May 24 (UPI) -- A New York judge has released Amanda Bynes on her own recognizance after the actress was arrested for throwing a bong out of her 36th-floor apartment window. Tim Curry had stroke last July, says agent Jennifer Hudson signs on as 'American Idol' judge Kidman didn't wear Hathaway hand-me-down to Cannes Jimmy Kimmel bought nude Bea Arthur painting for $1.9M
Business News Bank executives rethink mergers and acquisitions WASHINGTON, May 24 (UPI) -- Bank industry analysts are saying the U.S. Federal Reserve has disrupted mid-sized bank mergers, if not derailed them, with a recent regulatory ruling. Report: Bausch & Lomb nears deal to sell itself to Valeant for $9B U.S. Northwest coal export terminals to get more scrutiny? China signals need for economic reforms Canada seeks het fighter replacement info	Odd News Fisherman sleeps with croc under bed INNISFAIL, Australia, May 24 (UPI) -- An Australian fisherman who caught a 6 1/2-foot crocodile on his birthday said he took the animal home and had it sleep under his bunk bed. Dockworker wins $26.5 million, quits job Obama shakes Marine's hand after failing to salute British Columbia teen rescues dog from cougar Five bulldogs stolen from family's yard