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Hughes 500

Two Killed, One Injured In Hughes 500 Forestry Helicopter Crash In British Columbia SEO DES: A West Coast Helicopters Hughes 500 on a CFMG forestry mission crashed, killing the pilot and one worker, while the third occupant was seriously injured SOCIAL: A West Coast Helicopters Hughes 500 crashed during a CFMG forestry operation near Loughborough Inlet on British Columbia's Central Coast at around 6:15 a.m. on July 14, killing pilot Riley Browne and forestry worker Bobby Nowak, while a third occupant was seriously injured. The survivor was airlifted to hospital, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an investigation. The cause of the crash remains unknown, with authorities yet to release details on the helicopter's registration, weather conditions, or any possible mechanical issues. Image: West Coast Helicopters (Representational) Video: West Coast Helicopters (Representational) Loughborough Inlet, Canada: Two people were killed and another was seriously injured after a Hughes 500 helicopter operating on a forestry mission crashed in British Columbia's remote Central Coast on the morning of July 14, prompting a Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation into the fatal accident. The helicopter, operated by West Coast Helicopters, went down at approximately 6:15 a.m. local time in Loughborough Inlet, near Knight Inlet, a rugged coastal area located about 80 kilometres north of Campbell River on Vancouver Island. The aircraft was conducting forestry operations in support of CFMG, a forestry company working in the area. According to West Coast Helicopters, three people were on board the aircraft: the pilot and two forestry personnel. The crash claimed the lives of the pilot and one member of the CFMG crew, while the third occupant survived and was rescued with serious injuries. The company has not disclosed what led to the helicopter coming down, and investigators have yet to determine the cause of the accident. British Columbia Emergency Health Services said the surviving occupant was airlifted from the remote crash site by air ambulance. The injured survivor was first transported to Canadian Forces Base Comox before being transferred to hospital, where officials said the person remained in serious but stable condition. West Coast Helicopters later identified its deceased pilot as Riley Browne, who had been flying with the company since 2021. In a statement shared on social media, the operator paid tribute to Browne, describing him as one of the company's most valued pilots. "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,” West Coast Helicopters said. The company also extended condolences to Browne's family, noting they are a well-known and close-knit family in the Port McNeill community. "Our thoughts, condolences and prayers go out to Riley's family... Rest in peace, Riley. You will not be forgotten,” the company added. Several media outlets and the helicopter operator reported that the second person killed was Bobby Nowak, a member of the CFMG forestry crew. However, as of the latest official updates, CFMG has not publicly confirmed the identity of its employee or released a statement regarding the fatality. The helicopter involved was identified by the operator as a Hughes 500, a light utility helicopter widely used in forestry, aerial survey, utility and remote-access operations because of its maneuverability and ability to operate in challenging terrain. Authorities have not yet released the aircraft's registration, serial number or year of manufacture. Likewise, officials have not disclosed whether the helicopter suffered a mechanical failure, encountered adverse weather or experienced any other operational issues before the crash. No eyewitness accounts describing the accident have been released publicly. Given the isolated nature of Loughborough Inlet, authorities have not indicated whether anyone on the ground observed the helicopter before it crashed. Investigators have also not disclosed whether distress calls were transmitted or whether flight tracking data captured the aircraft's final moments. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed a team of investigators to the crash site. According to the agency, investigators arrived at the location to document the wreckage, gather evidence and assess the occurrence before determining the scope of the investigation. The TSB has not released any preliminary findings, and no probable cause has been identified. Investigators are expected to examine the helicopter's maintenance records, operational history, weather conditions, pilot qualifications and any available technical evidence as part of the investigation. As with other TSB investigations, a final report could take several months before the agency determines the factors that led to the crash.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed, One Injured In Hughes 500 Forestry Helicopter Crash In British Columbia

Aviation Today News Desk / July 16, 2026

Loughborough Inlet, Canada: Two people were killed and another was seriously injured after a Hughes 500 helicopter operating on a […]

Airborne Aviation Helicopter Crashes Off Nā Pali Coast; Three Killed And Two Injured SEO DES: The aircraft was on a tour flight with a pilot and four passengers when it crashed about 100 yards offshore in a rugged, largely inaccessible area SOCIAL: A sightseeing helicopter operated by Airborne Aviation crashed about 100 yards offshore near Kalalau Beach along the Nā Pali Coast on Thursday afternoon, killing three of the five people onboard and injuring two. Emergency responders reached the remote site following a text-to-911 alert, rescuing the survivors who were taken to Wilcox Medical Center for treatment. The aircraft, identified as a Hughes 500, went down in a rugged, inaccessible area. Authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration, have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Kalalau Beach, United States: A sightseeing helicopter carrying five people crashed into waters off Kalalau Beach along the remote Nā Pali Coast of Kauaʻi on Thursday afternoon, leaving three people dead and two others injured, according to local authorities. The crash occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time when emergency responders received a text-to-911 alert reporting a downed helicopter near the coastline. The aircraft, operated by Airborne Aviation, was conducting a tour flight with one pilot and four passengers on board when it went down about 100 yards offshore in a rugged and largely inaccessible area. Authorities confirmed that three occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, while two survivors were rescued and transported for medical treatment. The injured were taken to Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue. Officials have not released the identities of the victims, pending notification of their families, nor have they disclosed the extent of the survivors’ injuries. The crash triggered a multi-agency emergency response due to the isolated terrain of the Nā Pali Coast, which is accessible only by air, sea, or a challenging hiking trail. Rescue and recovery efforts involved the Kauaʻi Fire Department, Kauaʻi Police Department, Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, American Medical Response, and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. Derek Kawakami, mayor of Kauai, thanked the coordinated efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and local police, fire and safety agencies. Kalalau Beach, where the crash occurred, is a well-known but remote destination on Kauaʻi’s northwestern shoreline, frequently included in aerial sightseeing routes due to its dramatic cliffs and scenic landscape. The helicopter involved has been identified as a light tour aircraft, reportedly a Hughes 500 model, commonly used for sightseeing operations in the region. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Federal authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are expected to lead the investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Local officials have urged the public to avoid speculation as the inquiry continues.

Helicopter Crash

Airborne Aviation Helicopter Crashes Off Nā Pali Coast; Three Killed And Two Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / March 27, 2026

Kalalau Beach, United States: A sightseeing helicopter carrying five people crashed into waters off Kalalau Beach along the remote Nā

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