Prince George, B.C. – The helicopter that crashed into the waters of Kitsault River yesterday claiming the lives of four people was a charter helicopter transporting passengers to a drill site for mining exploration.

 

60 year old Pilot, David Jeffrey Reid of Sydney, British Columbia, (Prism Helicopters) 53 year old Frank Moehling of Calgary, Alberta (Coast Mountain Geological), 55 year old Walter Bodnar of Winnipeg, Manitoba (Bodnar Drilling) and 27 year old Nicolas Bodnar Jr of Winnipeg, Manitoba (Bodnar Drilling) have been transported to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital where they remain for Coroner Investigation.

 

The Hughes MD 500, departed camp at Alice Arm to a drilling area at HomeStake Ridge. Only minutes later the helicopter lost control and crashed into the water.

 

First Aid attendants and camp personnel rushed to the scene but were unable to provide assistance due to the location.

Terrace Search and Rescue, Prince Rupert Coast Guard, Rescue Squadron 442, R.C.M.P and Marine Section were able to secure the wreckage.

 

The aircraft has been turned over to the Transportation Safety Board for its investigation into the cause of the crash.