Pilot killed in Oregon crash appeared on 'Ax Men in Georgia

A pilot killed this week when his helicopter crashed while attempting to lift logs in an Oregon forest has been identified as a former cast member of the History Channel series "Ax Men."Portland TV station KPTV reports (http://bit.ly/1ePHpka) William Bart Colantuono (cal-uhn-TWAWN'-oh) appeared in season three of the show. Producers issued a statement of condolences to the family and friends of the 54-year-old from Indialantic, Fla.Federal investigators are trying to determine the cause of Monday's crash. Witnesses told Linn County deputies the pilot released the logs before crashing, indicating he knew of a problem. Witnesses say they also saw a rotor separate from the copter before it flipped and crashed upside down.Colantuono, 54, was from Indialantic, Fla., and worked for R&R Conner Aviation of Darby, Mont, the sheriff's office said. The company website said he learned to fly helicopters in the Navy, had been a private pilot for 25 years, owned his own helicopter, and was married with four children. He enjoyed racquetball, working out and kayaking. He also wrote a book, "Heli-Logging in a Sucker Hole."The Ax Men website described Colantuono as a "smart pilot who isn't afraid to take risks. He's been flying for long time and views helicopter logging as a competitive sport."