Had Been Hauling Logs From An Oregon Forest When His Helo Went Down

A helicopter pilot who had been featured in the cable television series "Ax Men" was fatally injured Tuesday when his helicopter went down while he was carrying a load of timber out of a forest in Oregon.

The website TMZ reports that William Bart Colantuono, who had appeared on season three of the reality series, was moving timber when witnesses say he released his load, indicating he knew something was wrong. The witnesses said the rotor separated from the helicopter before it flipped over and impacted the ground.

Colantuono, 54, flew for R&R Logging based in Darby, MT. He was originally from Indialantic, FL.

The logging company website says Colantuono learned to fly helicopters in the Navy, and that he had held a civilian license for 25 years. He was the author of the book "Heli-Logging in a Sucker Hole."

On the History Channel's "Ax Men" website, the producers described the pilot as being "smart" but one who "isn't afraid to take risks. He's been flying for a long time and views helicopter logging as a competitive sport."

(Image provided by the Linn County, OR, Sheriff's Office)

FMI: www.history.com/shows/ax-men