Six people dead after Vietnam-era helicopter featured in ‘Die Hard’ crashes in West Virginia

A helicopter used during the Vietnam War — in addition to being featured in flicks like “Die Hard” and “Baywatch” — crashed in West Virginia, killing all six people onboard.

The Bell UH-1B helicopter, nicknamed the “Huey,” went down on Wednesday by Route 17 in Logan County around 5 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Ray Bryant, chief of operations for Logan County emergency ambulance service authority, confirmed there were no survivors. He noted the weather was clear when the aircraft slammed into the highway, along Blair Mountain and not far from the local airport.

“The entire cab of it was on fire,” he said. “It was recognized by the first responders as being a helicopter from this area because we see it a lot.”

The old-school aircraft, based out of the Logan County airport, was popular with tourists and used to give recreational rides, he told CNN affiliate WSAZ.

A Bell UH-1B helicopter

While the cause of the crash remained unknown Thursday morning, it reportedly unfolded during a charity event at Logan County Airport. According to the New York Times, enthusiasts could pay $250 to fly the ex-military aircraft or donate a smaller amount to ride as a passenger in the helicopter. It marked the seventh annual “Huey Reunion” organized by the owners of the downed helicopter, Mapat Aviation.

Its website said people could make a reservation to fly the helicopter without being a pilot.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said in a Wednesday night tweet that he’s “praying for the families of those killed in this tragic helicopter crash.” Their identities have not been released, but authorities believe they were visiting the area.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board have opened an investigation into what exactly triggered the crash.