Helicopter Crash in Wainwright, Alaska: 4 Dead Bodies Recovered

The bodies of a helicopter pilot and three scientists were recovered on Sunday by Alaska search and rescue divers. The aircraft had gone down in a shallow lake last week on the remote North Slope. Authorities have identified the deceased as Ronald Daanen, 51, Justin Germann, 27, Tori Moore, 26, and pilot Bernard "Tony" Higdon, 48.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Clint Johnson, Chief of NTSB's Alaska region stated that another helicopter will be required to raise the wreckage since it is located in one of the many lakes scattered across the vast tundra. However, due to commercial helicopters being in high demand during fire season in Alaska, finding an available helicopter has proven challenging.

The incident occurred while transporting staff from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources who were conducting fieldwork in the area. They were members of the Division of Geological and Geophysical Survey. The helicopter involved was a 1996 Bell 206 owned by Maritime Helicopters.

Maritime Helicopters released a statement praising pilot Tony Higdon as "the consummate professional and a skilled pilot." They expressed their deep sadness at his loss stating that he will be greatly missed. Additionally, they pledged their full cooperation with NTSB's investigation into this tragic accident.

The wreckage was discovered near Wainwright - a small coastal town approximately 50 miles south of Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow), which happens to be the northernmost city in America. The flight had originated from Utqiagvik with plans to return there.

Volunteers from the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery team arrived at around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday and successfully recovered the bodies by 6 a.m. on Sunday. However, due to the lack of available helicopters, authorities have stated that it is unlikely the aircraft will be raised from the middle of the one-mile-wide lake until Monday or Tuesday.

As investigations continue into this tragic incident, our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this helicopter crash.

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