Pilot dies after helicopter crashes into Terrebonne waterway
Updated Feb 27, 2017 at 9:04 PM
Authorities identified the pilot as Matthew Kawamura of Enterprise, Ala. By Dan Copp Staff Writer
A 26-year-old pilot was killed this afternoon after the helicopter he was flying crashed into a bayou in southern Terrebonne Parish, authorities said.
Authorities identified the pilot as Matthew Kawamura of Enterprise, Ala.
Members of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office Water Patrol responded to the crash, which occurred shortly after 12:52 p.m. in Bayou Barre, a waterway that feeds into a lake by the same name about 10 miles south of Montegut, Sheriff's Office spokesman Maj. Malcom Wolfe said.
Investigators pronounced Kawamura dead shortly after recovering his body at the scene, Wolfe said.
There was wreckage and debris from the downed aircraft in the waters where deputies recovered the pilot's body, Wolfe said.
Authorities said there were no other passengers on board the aircraft, which flew for Westwind Helicopters Inc.
Westwind, based in Santa Fe, Texas, provides personnel transportation for offshore oil and gas operations, charter services and power line and pipeline patrols throughout the Gulf Coast. The company's fleet is comprised of Bell series helicopters such as the 206 and 407, the firm's website says.
Westwind operates bases in Houma, Abbeville, Cameron and Venice, as well as Santa Fe and Rockport, Texas.
"Westwind is working in conjunction with the National Transportation Safety Board regarding the ongoing investigation," the company said in a statement Monday. "Everyone at Westwind offers their deepest condolences to the family and friends of our pilot, and we are keeping those affected in our prayers during this difficult time."
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating, Wolfe said.
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Helicopter pilot killed in crash south of Terrebone Parish Posted: Feb 27, 2017 9:08 PM EST Updated: Feb 27, 2017 9:08 PM EST
Terrebone, Louisiana -
A pilot is dead after his helicopter crashed off the coast of southern Terrebone Parish around noon Monday.
According to the HoumaToday, Terrebone authorities says the pilot, identified as 26-year-old Matthew Kawamura of Enterprise Alabama crashed shortly after 12:50 p.m. In Bayou Barre. Terrebone Sheriff's office responded to the incident shortly after locating the craft about 10 miles south of Montegut.
HoumaToday reports that no other passengers were on board the aircraft. Investigators pronounced Kawamura dead shortly after recovering his body at the scene. The helicopter flew for Westwind Helicopters, Inc which is based out of Santa Fe, Texas.
The company provides personnel transportation for offshore oil and gas operations, charter services and power line and pipeline patrols throughout the Gulf Coast. They also operate out of Abbeville.
An investigation is still ongoing.
Date:
27-FEB-2017
Time: 00:52 p.m.
Type: Bell
Owner/operator: Westwind Helicopters
Registration:
C/n / msn:
Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities: 0
Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location: Terrebonne Parish, Bayou Barre -
United States of America Phase: En route
Nature: Private
Departure airport:
Destination airport:
Narrative:
The helicopter crashed under unknown circumstances. The pilot died in the crash.
Sources:
http://www.houmatoday.com/news/20170227/pilot-dies-after-helicopter-crashes-into-terrebonne-waterway