Pilot Killed in Experimental Helicopter Crash in Florida
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A male pilot was killed Sunday when the helicopter he built in his garage crashed in Titusville, Fla.
Edgar Thompson, who was flying the aircraft, died in the crash just before 2pm local time behind the Publix supermarket on Garden Street in Titusville, about 50 miles east of Orlando.
Police said Thompson, 66, took off from the Arthur Dunn Airpark and flew about half a mile before crashing, adding that Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene and his family said he was the only one on board.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Thompson’s wife said he was an engineer by trade, working for Lockheed Martin for 30 years. She said he spent three years building the experimental helicopter in his garage.
She added that the experimental aircraft experienced mechanical problems in the past but had no problems this week.
Titusville police were investigating.
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