A tragic incident unfolded in the North Slope region of Alaska on Thursday, as a helicopter carrying three state workers and a pilot crashed, leaving no survivors.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, which had chartered the flight, revealed on Facebook that the Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey employees had been conducting fieldwork near Utqia?vik and failed to check in as expected on Thursday evening.
In response, the department immediately initiated search and rescue efforts in collaboration with the North Slope Borough Department of Search and Rescue and the Alaska Department of Public Safety. During the search, debris from the helicopter was discovered in a lake near Wainwright, matching the description of the aircraft.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred near Utqia?vik. At present, no further details have been released by the NTSB. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources expressed their concern and support, stating, "DNR is praying for our employees and the pilot, their families, and the DNR team. We are continuing to await updates from the search and rescue effort."
The helicopter involved in the tragic incident was operated by Maritime Helicopters Inc., as confirmed by a statement on the company's website. Maritime Helicopters Inc. also confirmed the fatal nature of the accident involving one of their Bell 206 L4 helicopters. The names of the pilot and passengers will be withheld until their next of kin have been notified.
In response to the incident, Maritime Helicopters Inc. has notified the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, activating their Emergency Response Team. The company expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and requested thoughts and prayers for the families affected.
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