The two men aboard the training helicopter that crashed in Whitehorse yesterday afternoon were rescued with only minor injuries, a small miracle considering the severity of the wreckage at what officials are calling a “higher-risk” training exercise gone wrong.
Transport Canada investigators touched down early this morning at Schwatka Lake, where the Robinson R44 helicopter plunged into the water during what appears to have been a simulated emergency landing. Local witnesses described seeing the aircraft performing maneuvers just before it suddenly lost altitude and hit the water with considerable force.
“You could tell something wasn’t right even before it went down,” said Marlene Kostich, who was walking her dog along the shoreline when the crash occurred. “The engine sound changed, got all choppy, and then it just dropped.”
First responders praised the quick action of nearby boaters who reached the scene within minutes. The two men, whose names have not yet been released by authorities, were able to exit the partially submerged helicopter before it sank further into the lake.
This incident marks the third training-related aviation mishap in northern territories this year, raising questions about safety protocols during instructional flights in remote locations. The Transportation Safety Board confirmed they’re launching a comprehensive investigation that will examine everything from mechanical factors to weather conditions and training procedures.
“Training flights inherently involve practicing emergency scenarios,” explained Rick Morrison, a former flight instructor now consulting with northern aviation companies. “The question investigators will ask is whether this was a mechanical failure or if something in the training exercise itself contributed to the actual emergency.”
The Robinson R44 model has faced scrutiny in the past. A 2018 CBC investigation found the model has been involved in a disproportionate number of crashes compared to other light helicopters. However, industry defenders note it’s also one of the most commonly used training helicopters in Canada due to its relatively lower operating costs.
Yukon’s Minister of Community Services John Streicker issued a statement thanking emergency crews while emphasizing the territory’s commitment to aviation safety. “Northern communities rely heavily on aviation. When incidents like this occur, it reminds us of both the risks and the importance of rigorous training and safety standards.”
The crash comes at a time when the federal government is reviewing northern aviation infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Last month, Transport Canada announced a $14.5 million investment toward improving northern airport facilities, with specific allocations for emergency response equipment.
Local flight schools have temporarily suspended similar training exercises pending initial findings from investigators. Alpine Aviation, which operates several training programs in Whitehorse, confirmed they weren’t involved in yesterday’s incident but are cooperating with authorities to review industry-wide training protocols.
“We don’t yet know if this was mechanical, human error, or environmental,” said Alpine’s safety director Carolyn Firth. “Until we do, it makes sense for everyone to take a pause and ensure we’re not missing something critical in our preparedness.”
The submerged helicopter was recovered from Schwatka Lake late last night in an operation that involved specialized equipment brought in from Yellowknife. Investigators will now conduct a detailed examination of the aircraft’s components and flight systems.
For Whitehorse residents, the incident has renewed conversations about the balance between necessary aviation training and public safety. The lake is a popular recreation area, particularly during summer months, and some community members have long advocated for designated training zones further from populated areas.
“We understand pilots need to train, especially in conditions they’ll actually face up here,” said Ron Farrell, chair of the Schwatka Lake Area Advisory Committee. “But this crash happened just 300 meters from where kids were swimming. We need to make sure safety extends to everyone in the vicinity of these exercises.”
Transport Canada’s preliminary report is expected within two weeks, though complete findings could take several months. In the meantime, officials are reviewing whether current notification systems for training exercises in public recreation areas are sufficient.
