BURSTThe Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron, based at 19 Wing Comox, evacuated one survivor of the helicopter crash in the Bute Inlet area on Tuesday, July 16.
According to a Facebook post by Campbell River-based West Coast Helicopters, a Hughes 500 helicopter was being flown in the area for forestry operations. At 6:15 a.m., the helicopter went down with a pilot and two forestry workers from CFMG.
The Search and Rescue (SAR) mission was conducted under the command of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria.
A CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and CC-295 Kingfisher fixed-wing aircraft from 19 Wing Comox were tasked to respond. The Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Techs) were hoisted into the crash site situated on steep mountainous terrain to reach and assist the survivor. The rescue was completed with the survivor hoisted to the helicopter and transported to 19 Wing Comox where they were then transferred to B.C. Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).
The pilot, Riley Browne who worked for West Coast Helicopters, and a CFMG crew member did not survive. The other CFMG crew member did survive the crash, and was rescued by Comox-based crew.
“Riley was a good friend and pilot to all who worked with him,” the post by WCH says. “He always had a smile on his face, eager to help. Riley started his flying career at WCH in 2021. He was one of the pillars of the company. We all loved him.”
The post said that Browne is from a well-known Port McNeill family and that their condolences went out to the family and community.
Black Press has reached out to CFMG for comment.