** Hillsborough County Sheriff Media Release **
CONTACT: LT. ROD REDER/DEBBIE CARTER
RELEASE NO: 03-459

PUBLIC INFORMATION SECTION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 21, 2003

WHO:
Pilot: Don Wayne Goodson, 53
*** UPDATE *** Pilot, Don Goodson died on 10-29-03 he also possibly faced manslaughter charges because he did not have a helicopter license. *** UPDATE ***


Passenger: Don Taylor, 48

Bystander: William “ Billy “ Harter, 46 (Deceased)

WHAT:
Helicopter Crash / Death

WHEN:
October 21, 2003, 11:41 a.m.

WHERE:
C.R. 672 / McGrady Road, Balm-Wimauma area

WHY/HOW:

Mr. Goodson was flying the helicopter, with Mr. Taylor as a
passenger. As he attempted to land, some part of the helicopter
apparently struck the roof of a large garage, which was connected
to the landing pad. The helicopter went out of control and crashed
onto the pad/driveway, hitting a small boat and landing on a pickup
truck. Harter was killed at the scene. Both pilot and passenger had
to be extricated by Fire Rescue. That took 40 minutes. Both were
air lifted to T.G.H.. The Federal Aviation Administration arrived on
scene to handle the aviation accident part of the investigation. Goodson
is a well known strawberry and produce farmer in the area. Harter was
a licensed alligator trapper for this area. The investigation is
continuing.