TSB says fatal ultra light helicopter crash happened when craft hit power line

HIGH RIVER, Alta. – A Transportation Safety Board investigation into the crash of an ultra-light helicopter in southern Alberta has determined the aircraft struck a power line.

The pilot of the amateur-built Mosquito XE helicopter, whose identity was not released, was the only occupant and died at the scene along the banks of the Highwood River in July.

Police at the time said the aircraft had been flying along the river valley and that fishermen in the area called 911.

The safety board’s investigation says the helicopter came into contact with a power line approximately 22 metres above the ground.

The collision sent the helicopter into the riverbank and the impact destroyed the aircraft.

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