(Clover, Va.) — State Police say a helicopter crashed and burned in Halifax County, leaving the pilot with severe injuries.

According to state troopers, the Robinson r22 Beta helicopter crashed and caught fire in the Clover community about 10:00 Saturday night.

The pilot, Lee Hitly, had just taken off from a private, grass airstrip but wasn’t able to gain enough altitude to clear some nearby treetops. The helicopter crashed and caught fire.

Hitly was able to get out but was still badly hurt. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Troopers say the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board were both notified.