A pilot was tragically killed by the blades of his own helicopter when he tried to reach for his hat.

Carl Enlow, 69, walked into the spinning blades of his chopper while giving rides at a state fair.

The former military pilot was taking part in helicopter demonstrations at Bloomsburg Fair, the state of Pennyslvania’s biggest event of its kind.

The chopper was refuelling when Mr Enlow’s hat blew off as he chatted to another pilot. When he went to reach for his cap he was struck by the rotor.

Fair boss Bill Barratt said the tragedy brought sorrow to the event and added: “it just goes to prove that anything can happen.”

The Bloomsburg Fair have promised to give proceeds from the helicopter rides to Mr Enlow’s widow.

Montour County Coroners said the death was under investigation.

Read more: Mirror News