Pilot dies when helicopter crashes in near Rochester

An Olmsted County deputy says a pilot has died after his helicopter crashed in a field near Rochester.

Sheriff's Sgt. Mike Morrow says the crash was reported Saturday about 1:30 p.m in Haverhill Township, a few miles east of Rochester. He says the only occupant was the pilot, who was declared dead at the scene.

The victim's name has not been released.

Morrow says a witness saw flames coming from the helicopter before the crash.

He says authorities found fuel leaking from the wreckage. He says it's unclear whether the leak began before or after the crash.

Morrow says early indications are that the pilot was crop-dusting.

FAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory says the National Transportation Safety Board is leading an investigation into the crash.