Ax Men pilot killed in helicopter crash

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Fearless logging helicopter pilot from History Channel's Ax Men show killed in freak chopper crash

By Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press

Published: 21:10 EST, 18 September 2013 | Updated: 06:04 EST, 19 September 2013

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The daring helicopter pilot who starred in History Channel series Ax Men by airlifting logs in the forest died in a mystery chopper crash on Monday.

William Bart Colantuono, 54, appeared in season three of the show and was killed in the accident near Detroit Lake, Oregon, according to KPTV. He was the only person in the aircraft at the time.

Producers issued a statement of condolences to the family and friends of the pilot from Indialantic, Florida. Colantuono was married with four children.

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Tragic: William Bart Colantuono died in a crash while attempting to lift logs in an Oregon forest on Monday. He was married with four children

Tragic: William Bart Colantuono died in a crash while attempting to lift logs in an Oregon forest on Monday. He was married with four children

Star: The daring pilot appeared in n the History Channel TV series, Ax Men. Producers issued a statement of condolences to the family and friends of the pilot from Indialantic, Florida

Star: The daring pilot appeared in n the History Channel TV series, Ax Men. Producers issued a statement of condolences to the family and friends of the pilot from Indialantic, Florida

Federal investigators are trying to determine the cause of Monday's crash.

Witnesses told Linn County deputies the pilot released the logs before crashing, indicating he knew of a problem.

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The witnesses also say they also saw a rotor separate from the copter before it flipped and crashed upside down. Colantuono was pronounced dead at the scene.

Colantuono worked for R&R Conner Aviation of Darby, Montana, the sheriff's office said. 

VIDEO: Colantuono in action, airlifting logs


Heavy lifting: Colantuono moved logs for R&R Conner Aviation of Darby, Montana

Heavy lifting: Colantuono moved logs for R&R Conner Aviation of Darby, Montana

Experienced: Colantuono learned to fly helicopters in the Navy, had been a private pilot for 25 years and owned his own helicopter

Experienced: Colantuono learned to fly helicopters in the Navy, had been a private pilot for 25 years and owned his own helicopter

The company website said he learned to fly helicopters in the Navy, had been a private pilot for 25 years and owned his own helicopter.

He enjoyed racquetball, working out and kayaking. He also wrote a book, 'Heli-Logging in a Sucker Hole.'

The Ax Men website described Colantuono as a 'smart pilot who isn't afraid to take risks. He's been flying for long time and views helicopter logging as a competitive sport.'

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