Coast Guard: Pilot injured in Era helicopter crash at Norris Glacier

Update | 9:05 p.m.

In a written statement about the crash, company President and CEO Chris Bradshaw expresses appreciation to the people involved in the rescue operation and addresses safety.

“Safety is always our highest priority, and we deeply regret these injuries to one of our team members,” Bradshaw is quoted saying. “Our investigation will continue in cooperation with the National Transportation Safety Board and other relevant authorities.”

Update | 8:18 p.m.

The patient was medevaced to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle at about 7:20 p.m., said Bartlett Regional Hospital spokesman Jim Strader. He remained in critical condition.

Update | 5:38 p.m.

(Photo by Mikko Wilson / KTOO)
A TEMSCO helicopter leaves Bartlett Regional Hospital after dropping off a patient on Thursday. (Photo by Mikko Wilson/KTOO)

A TEMSCO helicopter dropped the injured helicopter pilot off at Bartlett Regional Hospital around 4:20 p.m. As of 5:20 p.m., hospital spokesman Jim Strader said the patient was in the emergency department with life-threatening injuries.

A woman who answered the phone at Era Helicopters  declined to comment or identify herself.

The National Weather Service’s aviation forecast showed the Juneau area, including the Norris Glacier, under marginal visual flight rules. Heavy rains were forecast with 25 mph winds.

Original story | 3:36 p.m.

(Map courtesy Google Earth)
(Map courtesy Google Earth)

The Coast Guard is reporting that a helicopter has crashed near the Norris Glacier and the pilot, who was the only person on board, is injured.

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Joshua Ryan of District 17 Command said a distress beacon was detected at 2:14 p.m.

era helicopter norris glacier
An Era helicopter on the Norris Glacier near Juneau in July 2013. (Creative Commons photo by brad.)

He said Era Helicopters confirmed it was one of theirs that had crashed. Authorities have been in radio contact with dog sled tour operators on the glacier near the crash site. Ryan said those workers got the pilot out of the helicopter.

Ryan said Capital City Fire/Rescue personnel and TEMSCO Helicopters are en route to retrieve the injured pilot. An MH-60 from the Coast Guard’s Air Station Sitka is also en route.

Ryan said the pilot has not been identified. He said the initial reports are that the pilot is responsive, but has chest pains.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

Jeremy Hsieh

Local News Reporter, KTOO

I dig into questions about the forces and institutions that shape Juneau, big and small, delightful and outrageous. What stirs you up about how Juneau is built and how the city works?

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