Helo Lands In The Atlantic Ocean After Pilot Falls Off Skid

The pilot of a 2002 Robinson R22 was, oddly, not aboard his aircraft when it went down in about four feet of water off the coast of Indian Key, FL, on Saturday Nov 28.

The Florida Keys newspaper The Keynoter quoted FAA spokesperson Kathleen Bergen stating the aircraft "apparently took off without its pilot and landed in the ocean."  It didn't escape her notice that this "...certainly seems to be a rare occurrence."

Witnesses report the helo initially landed in a field at Indian Key State Park around 2:30 p.m. Saturday where the pilot stepped out of the cockpit to check the rear rotor. The pilot was still outside, standing on one of the skids, when the helicopter lifted back into the air and headed out to sea.

Private boaters were nice enough to bring the pilot back to shore for medical attention.  He fell from the helo prior to impact and is reported to have a broken arm and a bruised pride.  A salvage boat recovered the wreckage before the end of the day.

The identity of the pilot has not been confirmed. The aircraft is registered to G & S Helicopters, which is owned by Don and Margaret Gerloff of Islamorada.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov