Post by: jackelope on January 28, 2018, 07:21:01 PM
Post by: jackelope on January 28, 2018, 07:21:50 PM
Post by: jackelope on January 28, 2018, 07:24:07 PM
http://komonews.com/news/local/1-person-dead-following-helicopter-crash-in-garfield-county
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on January 28, 2018, 07:25:42 PM
Post by: idahohuntr on January 28, 2018, 08:03:08 PM
Post by: bearpaw on January 28, 2018, 08:09:40 PM
Post by: X-Force on January 28, 2018, 08:11:58 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on January 28, 2018, 10:39:43 PM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on January 28, 2018, 10:42:25 PM
https://wdfw.wa.gov/enforcement/kbd/about.html
Post by: Brushbuster on January 28, 2018, 10:56:32 PM
Post by: ASHQUACK on January 29, 2018, 12:00:14 AM
Post by: huntnfmly on January 29, 2018, 04:07:41 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 29, 2018, 05:11:12 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on January 29, 2018, 05:12:29 AM
Post by: Wacenturion on January 29, 2018, 07:14:06 AM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on January 29, 2018, 07:21:30 AM
Young man that passed was 19yo...ugh...so sad.
39
Post by: emac on January 29, 2018, 07:27:10 AM
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Post by: Knocker of rocks on January 29, 2018, 07:44:03 AM
I think they might of got the story wrong. I dont think there was any wdfw bios on board or any wdfw employees.
Yes, this mornings Seattle Times does not mention their employment status. I think if they were state employees, that would have been stated.
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on January 29, 2018, 07:48:17 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 29, 2018, 08:05:16 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 29, 2018, 08:11:16 AM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on January 29, 2018, 08:17:10 AM
It kind of looks like an MD though, doesn't it?
Sure does. And their website says they only have Robinson craft
http://www.kiwiairhelicopters.com/home.html
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 29, 2018, 08:18:49 AM
It kind of looks like an MD though, doesn't it?
Sure does. And their website says they only have Robinson craft
http://www.kiwiairhelicopters.com/home.html
They may only use Robinsons for the tourists and have the 500 for gov't work. It's really sad, either way.
Post by: Bob33 on January 29, 2018, 08:26:02 AM
The National Transportation Safety Board, WSP and FAA are leading the investigation.
A previous version of this story erroneously stated three Department of Wildlife biologists were on board the helicopter, due to a source’s error.
Post by: pianoman9701 on January 29, 2018, 08:30:31 AM
Post by: jackelope on January 29, 2018, 09:01:48 AM
Post by: jackelope on January 29, 2018, 02:36:58 PM
Quote
January 29, 2018
Contact: Kevin Robinette, 509-892-7859
Helicopter crash in eastern Washington kills 1, injures 2 during deer research
SPOKANE – A private helicopter flying under contract with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for a mule deer study crashed Saturday, Jan. 27, in Garfield County, killing one member of the crew and injuring two others.
The Washington State Patrol confirmed today that the crash took the life of Benjamin M. Poirier, 19, Berthoud, Colo., a crew member in the helicopter. The pilot, Blake Malo, 33, Clarkston, and the third crew member, Garrett Bradshaw, 30, Eagle Point Ore., were taken from the crash site to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.
All three men were employed by Hells Canyon Helicopters, which operated the aircraft.
"This is a tragic accident that will be deeply felt not only by the families but by members of our own staff who have worked with this dedicated crew," said WDFW Director Jim Unsworth.
Kevin Robinette, regional WDFW wildlife manager, said the accident occurred about 20 miles northwest of Pomeroy, where the helicopter crew was working with ground-based state biologists to capture and attach radio collars to mule deer to study the animals' movement and survival.
Robinette said Saturday marked the first day of fieldwork in the Blue Mountains, where biologists plan to eventually collar up to 50 deer, said. WDFW staff monitored the operation from the ground and drove a fuel truck to support the flights.
On Saturday afternoon, a WDFW biologist alerted law enforcement officials when a smartphone app tracking the flight showed the aircraft had stopped moving, Robinette said.
The crash is being investigated by state and local law enforcement agencies and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Robinette said the contractor recently completed similar work in the Okanogan region of north-central Washington, where the crew attached collars to about 80 does during several days of flying.