Two die as helicopter crashes on test flight

BELL BRANCH, Texas-Two people were killed when a Bell Helicopter aircraft they were testing crashed in a rural area about 40 miles south of Dallas.

A Federal Aviation Administration statement says the Bell 525 Relentless helicopter was destroyed in the accident Wednesday in Ellis County. County spokeswoman Sara Garcia confirmed that both people aboard the helicopter died.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says the helicopter crashed near the towns of Bell Branch and Italy (IT'-lee).

A Bell Helicopter statement says the company was conducting developmental flight test operations from its Arlington facility when the helicopter crashed. Bell Helicopter provided no additional details.

No identities have been released.

Upcoming Events