Thursday, July 24, the Transportation Safety Board released a report on the fatal helicopter crash near Revelstoke Aerodrome in January 2024.
They revealed that the pilot had a substance in his bloodstream that was not permitted while operating the aircraft.
“This substance may derive from an illicit drug or from certain medication,” the report stated.
“The investigation determined that the substance was present prior to death. However, it could not determine the source of the substance or whether the presence of the substance influenced the pilot’s performance during the occurrence.”
The Bell 206B helicopter was privately operated and registered with the Aircraft Guaranty Corporation Trustee.
The helicopter was on a recreational flight from High River Airport, Alta, to a private property in Sicamous. Only the pilot was on board. The aircraft collided with terrain near Revelstoke Airport leading to a fatal injury.
“The investigation was unable to determine what weather information the pilot obtained or reviewed before the flight,” the report said.
The TSB investigated this occurrence for the purpose of advancing transportation safety. The Board does not assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.
