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FRANKLIN COUNTY, N.C. — A preliminary report indicates liability for a deadly helicopter crash could fall on Franklin County.
The small aircraft crashed May 14 outside Louisburg, killing Sheriff Deputy Ted Horton. The pilot, Ben Barrick did not have a valid license.
A brief report from the National Transportation Safety Board says the helicopter was on a "public use" mission to find drugs. Initially, the sheriff said both men were off duty when they flew.
The Franklin County attorney says the NTSB report is only preliminary. Authorities are still conducting their investigation.
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