Louisiana Man Killed in Alaska Helicopter Crash Near King Salmon, Authorities Investigate

A man from Louisiana lost his life in an Alaskan helicopter crash on Saturday near King Salmon, according to Alaska State Troopers. Moreover, Clint Johnson, the chief of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in Alaska, confirmed that the aircraft took off from the King Salmon Airfield carrying five individuals. The helicopter crashed into the Naknek River about 0.5 miles south of the airport.

Egli Air Haul operated the Bell 206B helicopter, also known as a Jet Ranger. At the time of the accident, it was transporting four fishermen to a fishing location. Based on preliminary NTSB findings, the National Weather Service reported quarter-mile visibility due to fog, which may have contributed to the incident. The helicopter was operating under Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR), which permit takeoff in the event of weather below regular minimums.

Before officials came, emergency responders and locals moved swiftly, pulling the passengers out of the water. Sadly, the 73-year-old Louisiana businessman Martin de Laurel was not among the survivors. Based on information from the area, he was traveling to Alaska with companions on a fishing excursion.

An NTSB investigator will visit the crash scene to collect photos and inspect the aircraft. Subsequently, the agency will recover the helicopter and transport it to a secure location for a closer inspection. The tragic helicopter crash in Alaska has prompted an investigation into the pertinent causes. To determine how weather and other factors could have affected the Alaskan helicopter crash and the ensuing fatalities, authorities are now gathering information.

This news story was originally published by Anchorage Daily News