
B.C. heli-skiing company names pilot killed in crash
CTV
The pilot of the helicopter that went down in the remote backcountry outside Terrace, B.C., last Monday has been confirmed as one of the people killed in the crash.
The pilot of the helicopter that went down in the remote backcountry outside Terrace, B.C., last Monday has been confirmed as one of the people killed in the crash.
Three people died in the Jan. 22 heli-skiing accident, and a fourth later succumbed to his injuries. Three remaining survivors are recovering in Vancouver in stable condition.
The pilot, Mark McGowan, was identified in a joint statement Monday from Terrace-based Northern Escape Heli-Skiing and Kelowna-based Skyline Helicopters.
“Mark was a phenomenal pilot and a much-loved part of the Skyline Helicopters team. His skills, friendship and good cheer will be greatly missed by our community,” general manager Gareth Shanks said in the statement.
“We are devastated by the loss,” he added.
According to LinkedIn profiles matching McGowan’s description, he had been a helicopter pilot for at least 30 years.
“Mark was an outstanding pilot and a mentor to many. I worked with him for over a decade and always enjoyed flying with him. He was a consummate professional,” Northern Escape president John Forrest said in the statement.