Fatal Occurrence 2009P1222

Body of missing helicopter pilot found

CTV News – Aug. 19, 2009

The body of missing helicopter pilot Robert Woodhead has been found near Lytton, B.C.

On Friday, while battling a forest fire, Woodhead's Bell 212 chopper went down over rugged terrain near the Fraser River. The helicopter was outfitted with a large water bucket designed for fighting fires.

Moments after the crash, a fellow pilot spotted Woodhead in the river and attempted to drop his bucket down to help the pilot. Woodhead wasn't able to grab hold.

On Wednesday, Sgt. Fran Bethell reported that Woodhead's body had been found. 

Search and rescue teams scoured the area for two days after the crash, but on Sunday the RCMP said they believed the 53-year-old pilot was dead. 

Woodhead, who was from Stoney Creek, Ont., had been hired to battle the Intlpam fire, which is located about 150 kilometres northeast of Vancouver. 

The helicopter was owned by an Alberta-based company called Elbow River Helicopters. Company manager Torrie Chartier declined to comment specifically on the crash. 

"It is under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board and the RCMP and they will release the information," she said.