One Dead in Pocahontas County Helicopter Crash
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on July 10, 2026
FROM THE WEST VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
On Friday, July 10, 2026, at approximately 7:45 a.m., the West Virginia State Police Elkins received a report of a downed aircraft in the Huntersville area of Pocahontas County.
Troopers from the Elkins and Marlinton Detachments, along with the Pocahontas County Office of Emergency Management and the Marlinton Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, responders determined that a privately owned Sikorsky S-76D helicopter, tail number N93RT, had crashed near 6755 Huntersville Road, Marlinton, West Virginia.
The aircraft was owned by Waco Oil & Gas Co., Inc. and was being operated by the pilot, Leo Basile, 57, of Aurthurdale, WV.
The investigation determined that Mr. Basile was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His next of kin has been notified.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is coordinating with the appropriate investigative agencies. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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