Traffic & Transit

CT Helicopter Pilot Killed In Nevada Crash

One man was killed and another suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident.

(Image via Patch)

The pilot of a helicopter crash near Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center in Nevada has died. The 53-year-old pilot has been identified by the Clark County Coroner's Office as Scott Socquet, of Milford, according to NBC CT.

Another man in the crash, whose name has not been released, suffered life-threatening injuries. The incident happened around 3:40 p.m. Wednesday on SR 159, closing down the highway. Bystanders jumped in to help the two people in the helicopter receive medical attention, according to FOX 5 Las Vegas.

Witnesses said the helicopter crashed about 20 feet away from the road.

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Both of the men were taken to University Medical Center for treatment where the pilot later died. The second man, who is in his late twenties, was reportedly "alive but not doing well," according to WTNH.

The helicopter was reportedly a Robinson R-44, and the Federal Aviation Administration said that it crashed under unknown circumstances. The aircraft is registered to Binner Enterprises LLC in Henderson, NV, according to WTNH.

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Red Rock Canyon is located west of the Las Vegas Strip. The canyon gets roughly 2 million visitors a year and features a 13-mile one-way sightseeing loop, rock climbing, and hiking trails, according to its website.

WFSB reported that the pilot was an experienced flyer and that the helicopter was out for a one-hour leisure ride when the accident occurred.

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