68-year-old pilot killed in crash with 'home-built' helicopter

The man killed in a Dec. 22 helicopter crash has been identified by the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.

David Revels, 68, of Pembroke, died at the scene, WMBF reports. A cause of death is pending from the Medical Examiner's Office.

The crash occurred in the 1900 block of Philadelphus Road in Pembroke.

The Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] said the unregistered experimental helicopter crashed around 2:30 p.m. Friday and only the pilot was on board.

The Robeson County Sheriff's Office said the helicopter is a home-built Mosquito XEL ultralight helicopter.

The Mosquito XEL ultralight helicopter requires buyers to sign a liability waiver upon purchasing the aircraft. It warns pilots of the the potential risks of the aircraft.

"You cannot build or fly this Aircraft unless you knowingly and willingly accept and assume these risks as your own," the waiver states in part.

Also, the waiver states the buyer agrees to comply fully with all applicable governmental aviation regulations in the construction and operation of the aircraft.

The sheriff's office, FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the sheriff's office at 910-671-3170 or 910-671-3100.