Helicopter down in Mackenzie Mountains, all passengers alive

RCMP say a Sahtu Helicopters Bell 407 has safely landed in the Mackenzie Mountains after entering difficulties.

The helicopter, carrying six passengers, came down just before noon on Thursday near mile 110 of the Canol Trail, according to a police news release issued on Friday afternoon.

Police say they were told the helicopter pilot made a “forced landing.” All passengers survived, though two were transported to Stanton Hospital in Yellowknife for what police believe were not life-threatening injuries.

Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board have been advised and will conduct their own investigation, with police assistance.

Sahtu Helicopters, based in Norman Wells, is part-owned by Great Slave Helicopters alongside majority owner the Fort Norman Métis Nation Local #54 Land Corporation, which holds a 51 percent share.

The company uses Great Slave Helicopters equipment, pilots and engineers as required, but holds its own operating certificate and operates its own hangar in Norman Wells.

Reached by phone, a spokesperson for Great Slave Helicopters told Cabin Radio the company had no immediate comment.

Correction: July 24, 7:06 MT. RCMP updated their initial news release with an amendment on Monday, July 23, correcting their figure for those people transported to hospital from three to two. Our story has been updated to reflect this.