Aircraft Was On The Ground At The Time Of The Accident

An Iowa aircraft mechanic was fatally injured Friday while performing maintenance work on the tail rotor of a Bell 47G-5 helicopter, according to a Black Hawk County (IA) Sheriff's office news release.

"[A]t approximately 1033 hrs Black Hawk County Deputies were dispatched to 2838 W. Tama Road on the report of a fatal workplace accident that occurred while maintenance was being done on a stationary helicopter. The accident remains under investigation and Deputies will release more details once family members have been notified," the release said.

WCFCourier.com reports that the mechanic was identified as 51-year-old Jeffery Lee Graham an army veteran and longtime mechanic for Ritel Copter Service and Air Methods, Inc. Graham was described as an "experienced pilot" as well.

Graham was reportedly working on the tail rotor of the aircraft when the accident occurred. No other details were immediately available. Deputy Tony Meyer said there were no other injuries associated with the accident.

(Bell 47 pictured in file photo. Not incident aircraft)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov