BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Federal investigators removed the wreckage from a fiery helicopter crash that killed three people Tuesday shortly after it left Orlando Melbourne International Airport.
The victims’ have not released the names of the victims, but the next of kin for the pilot, co-pilot and maintenance technician have been contacted, Channel 9’s Melonie Holt learned.
Previous story: Investigation underway after 3 killed in Palm Bay helicopter crash
“We have no probable cause at this point. At this point, this is day one of a six- to 12-month investigation. We're just documenting the scene looking for anything out of the ordinary so we can move the vehicle,” said Robert Gretz, senior air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board.
The NTSB told Eyewitness News that the three victims, who worked for AAR Corp, were on a maintenance test flight in a Sikorksy S-61 in an unpopulated area known as a compound.
WATCH:
[ Raw: NTSB gave an update Wednesday on deadly Palm Bay helicopter crash ]
There was a recent repair to a control servo. Eyewitness News was told it controlled the pitch of the aircraft.
“It was a control servo. With that said, we have no indication of a loss of control, or a control failure. So, it may just be a coincidence. But, as we look at the video, the helicopter did not appear to be out of control at any time,” Gretz said.
The helicopter will be moved to a secure facility in Fort Pierce so the NTSB can continue its investigation.
[ Raw: Skywitness 9 over scene of Palm Bay fatal helicopter crash ]