Federal authorities are investigating a helicopter crash that occurred Thursday on a frozen lake in Idaho, resulting in the death of the pilot and injuring one passenger.
The crash involved a Bell 505 helicopter and took place at Ririe Reservoir in Rexburg, Idaho, as confirmed by a Federal Aviation Administration.
Rexburg is located in Madison County in the southeastern part of the state, approximately 30 miles northeast of Idaho Falls.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office reported that multiple agencies responded to the crash around 4:40 p.m., using snowmobiles to reach the site where they found two individuals inside the helicopter.
According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, emergency responders discovered one of the passengers had died at the scene.
What Led to the Helicopter Crash in Idaho?
The official cause of the crash was not immediately determined on Friday. However, a preliminary FAA report obtained by indicated that the helicopter hit a powerline before crashing onto the ice.
The sheriff’s office stated that it was unclear why the helicopter was in the area at the time of the incident.
After the crash, the department reported that deputies closed off Ririe Reservoir and the surrounding area for safety due to fallen power lines and unsafe ice conditions.
Helicopter Crash Victims’ Identities Still Not Released
As of Friday, authorities had not disclosed the identity of the person who died in the crash.
The name of the passenger onboard was also not immediately available.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board were still investigating the official cause of the crash, according to an FAA spokesperson.
Helicopter Crash on Frozen Lake in Idaho Leaves Pilot Dead and 1 Person Hospitalized
