PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A pilot who died in a March 15 helicopter crash in Pittsylvania County encountered heavy fog before the accident, according to a preliminary report released on April 4 by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Paul D. Jackson, 72, was piloting a Robinson R44 helicopter when it crashed into the backyard of a residence in the 2000 block of Campview Road around 3 p.m.

The helicopter was destroyed upon impact, and a post-crash fire ensued.

According to the NTSB, Jackson had completed a sightseeing flight and dropped off two passengers at their home around 2:38 p.m.

One of the passengers reported that the flight had been cut short due to deteriorating visibility caused by fog.

Jackson then sent a text message at 2:39 p.m. stating he was en route to a restaurant about 12 miles away.

However, by 2:46 p.m., he texted a friend again, saying he had encountered fog and made a precautionary landing at a convenience store on Mt. Cross Road, about 3.3 miles north of the passenger drop-off location.

A witness near the store saw the helicopter take off around 2:55 p.m. before it “disappeared into the fog.”

Less than a minute later, the witness reported hearing a sound consistent with an impact.

The helicopter crashed approximately a quarter-mile northeast of the convenience store.

Investigators said they found an impact crater near the main wreckage, along with rotor blade ground impressions.

Most of the cabin structure and cowlings were consumed by fire, and the helicopter’s fuel tanks were not retrofitted with bladder tanks, sustaining significant thermal damage.

No mechanical failures or malfunctions were identified in the initial examination of the airframe and engine that would have prevented normal operation, according to the report.

A GPS unit recovered from the crash site has been sent to the NTSB’s Recorders Laboratory for further analysis.

At 2:53 p.m., the Danville Regional Airport’s Automated Weather Observation System—located about nine miles southeast of the crash site—reported variable winds at 3 knots, visibility of six miles with mist, and an overcast ceiling at 400 feet above ground level.

An Airmen’s Meteorological Information advisory for low visibility and misty conditions had been issued earlier in the day.

Multiple witnesses described the weather near the crash site as “murky” or foggy.

Jackson, who was not instrument-rated, had previously attended the Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Course in March 2008, the report stated.

The Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB continue to investigate the accident.

The wreckage has been secured for further examination.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ORIGINAL STORY — March 15

PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A pilot was killed on March 15 when a helicopter crashed into the backyard of a residence in Pittsylvania County.

Authorities responded to the crash at around 3 p.m. in the 2000 block of Campview Road.

The pilot, 72-year-old Paul D. Jackson, had recently dropped off passengers following a tour before landing at a convenience store on Mt. Cross Road, according to Virginia State Police.

Shortly after takeoff, the Robinson R44 helicopter went down approximately 500 yards from the store and crashed, state police said.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Officials say investigators are expected to arrive on March 16 to begin their inquiry.

Copyright 2025 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.