Witness Heard Engine Sputter Before Crash

A student pilot and his flight instructor were killed Tuesday when their Robinson R44 (identified in initial reports as a two-seat R22) helicopter impacted a beach near Jacksonville, FL in a nose-down attitude.

A witness told the First Coast News he ran for cover when he heard the helicopter's engine sputter over Ponte Vedra Beach.

"It sounded like a possible gas problem, horrendous sound before it hit," said Carl Postelwait. "It hit the ground nose first, bounced, then hit the ground again and burst into flames."

The helicopter was part of the fleet for national training outfit Silver State Helicopters, based in Las Vegas, NV. The accident flight departed Craig Field in Jacksonville.

The student was identified as Justin Wyatt Duncan, 24. The female flight instructor's name has not been released.

"The news of the fatal incident is devastating," said Silver State Helicopters President Jerry Airola. "Our concern is for the families of the two victims of this tragic accident. On behalf of every employee of Silver State Helicopters, I extend my profound condolences."

Silver State Helicopters states it has over 300 pilots, and 2,400 students in schools in 14 states. Company Chief Operating Officer Rick Reyes stated Tuesday's crash is the company's first fatal training accident.

"This really is a family oriented company," said Reyes. "This being the first fatality in a training capacity is truly devastating and we're doing everything we can with the parties involved."

FMI: www.silverstatehelicopters.com, www.ntsb.gov