ALTON, Ill (First Alert 4) - The National Transportation and Safety Board has released its preliminary report into the fatal helicopter crash on Aug. 7.

Nicholas R. Fulton and Michael “Cody” Curry were killed when a helicopter crashed onto a barge near the Melvin Price Lock and Dam near Alton.

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“A witness located on the tow vessel reported that the helicopter pilot and lineman appeared to be attempting to attach a safety marker (orange ball) to one of the power lines. The lineman appeared to be standing on the left skid, wearing a safety harness. On the second attempt, as the pilot brought the helicopter clos

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