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Pilot dead after helicopter crashes in Upstate New York swamp

The pilot of a small helicopter was killed in a crash Saturday afternoon in an Upstate New York “swamp,” police said.

The man, who authorities have not yet identified, was found gravely injured after the Schweizer 269C chopper went down around 2:45 p.m. in a “swamp area” near West Carthage, about 70 miles north of Syracuse, New York State Police said in a statement.

Crashed helicopter in wooded area.
The FAA confirmed the solo passenger of a Schweizer 269C helicopter died after crashing in a swampy area in Upstate New York. New York State Police

The pilot was transported to Carthage Area Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are being dispatched to the scene to investigate, cops said.

The pilot was the sole passenger of the aircraft, the FAA said in a statement.

“An NTSB investigator is expected to be on scene today to continue documenting the scene, examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement.

Screengrab of a streetview of 64 Liberty Street in West Carthage, NY.
NY State Police said they responded to reports of the crash in West Carthage, about 70 miles north of Syracuse. Google Maps

The agency said it expected to conclude a preliminary report on the crash within 30 days.

State police did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.