Helicopter Company 'Deeply Saddened' Over Fatal Crash In Erie, Identifies Victims
ERIE, Colo. (CBS4) - The company that owns a helicopter involved in a fatal crash at the airport in Erie on Monday has released the names of the two victims.
The crash happened around noon at the Erie Municipal Airport. Mountain One Helicopters, based in Erie, identified the victims as instructor Alex Viola and student pilot Amy Wood.
The company posted a message on Facebook Monday night regarding the crash.
"We are deeply saddened to report that one of our aircraft was involved in an accident during a flight training mission at the Erie Airport today. Our beloved instructor Alex Viola and student pilot Amy Wood, who was working on her private license, both received fatal injuries," the Facebook post said. "I can't put into words our sadness and feelings of grief for the loss of Alex and Amy. All of our thoughts and prayers are with both of their families and loved ones."
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Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Allen Kenitzer said the aircraft was an Enstrom 280FX.
Investigators are trying to determine whether the helicopter had some kind of mechanical problems before the crash. Multiple witnesses told investigators something seemed to go wrong with the helicopter before it crashed.
The company confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the probable cause of the crash.