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Fatal helicopter accident in Northern Quebec
June 27, 2011 By CBC News
June 27, 2011, Schefferville, Que. - One person is dead and another is seriously injured after a helicopter crash in a remote area in northern Quebec. CBC News reports.
The crash happened around 6:15 p.m. Friday about 90 kilometres northeast of Schefferville.
Police spokesperson Daniel Thibaudeau said witnesses at a nature reserve saw the helicopter go down and contacted police using a satellite telephone.
"From what we are able to establish thus far, it would appear the pilot lost control," Thibaudeau said. "We have to look into many factors, mechanical as well as environmental, to see if there are other causes that related to this."
The passenger in the helicopter, a 65-year-old man, died from his injuries. The 25-year-old pilot was taken to a Quebec City hospital where he remains with serious injuries. Their names have not been released.
Thibaudeau said the crash happened on land in an area where there is no cell phone reception or radio service.
"Where it occurred is a very isolated area and telecommunications are rather difficult," he said.
The Transportation Safety Board, the provincial coroner's office and Quebec provincial police are investigating. The Canadian Forces were also called on to help after the crash.
Chris Krepski with the TSB said the helicopter that went down was a Robinson R44 owned by the Quebec City-based company Capital Helicopters.
