WEST ALTON, Mo. - The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on a deadly helicopter crash last week in West Alton, Missouri, confirming that the aircraft struck transmission lines before crashing onto a barge, among other details.

The NTSB report shared technical details about the Aug. 7 crash, the extent of aircraft damage and plans for further investigation. It also features three newly-released photos showing the aftermath of the crash from the barge.

According to ADS-B data cited in the report, the helicopter departed from the north bank of the Mississippi River around 10:25 a.m. and made three trips to the powerline support tower on the south bank of the river, returning to the north bank after each trip.

The helicopter, identified as a Hughes 369D m

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