Helicopter pilot who fatally crashed in Illinois was crop-dusting prior to his death

Donald L. Pruett, a 41-year-old farmer from Mount Vernon, died when the helicopter he was flying crashed into a corn field. Pruitt was crop-dusting when his helicopter crashed.

A pilot killed when a helicopter crashed in rural southern Illinois was crop-dusting at the time, authorities say.

Donald L. Pruett, 41, of Mount Vernon was pronounced dead at the scene Monday afternoon by Washington County Coroner Mark Styninger.

Pruett was the sole occupant of the helicopter.

HELICOPTER CRASHES INTO ILLINOIS CORNFIELD, KILLING PILOT

The crash occurred in a remote farm area, Styninger said. The wreckage was found in a cornfield under overhead power lines, the coroner said. It was unclear if the helicopter struck the power lines.

The cause of death appeared to be blunt force trauma pending an autopsy, Styninger said.

ILLINOIS GOV. PRITZKER ALLOWS NON-US CITIZENS TO BECOME POLICE OFFICERS WITH NEW LAW: 'FUNDAMENTALLY BAD IDEA'

The Federal Aviation Administration said the helicopter was a Bell UH-1H "Huey."

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

ILLINOIS GOV. PRITZKER ALLOWS NON-US CITIZENS TO BECOME POLICE OFFICERS WITH NEW LAW: 'FUNDAMENTALLY BAD IDEA'

Oakdale is about 45 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri.

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