One pilot died in Whitehorse helicopter crash, company says
The Horizon Helicopters flight crashed on Friday afternoon
One pilot died in a helicopter crash near Whitehorse on Friday.
The crash, which is being investigated by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, happened during a test flight operated by company Horizon Helicopters on Friday afternoon.
Horizon Helicopters confirmed one of the two pilots in the helicopter at the time of the crash died as a result of the accident.
"Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the family of the deceased. Out of respect for their privacy and in support of our team, we kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time," the company said in a Facebook post confirming the death.
In a news release Monday, the Yukon Coroner's Service said it is supporting the Transportation Safety Board's investigation.
It said the pilot who died was a 47-year-old from Alberta, and that both pilots had "extensive experience" in the field.
It said the helicopter crashed half an hour into the flight. Emergency locator transmitters — which send out distress signals if an aircraft crashes — reported the accident at 3:10 p.m. Friday.