Robinson R44 crash in New Brunswick leaves one dead near Sussex

One person has died after a Robinson R44 crashed in southern New Brunswick near Sussex, prompting a federal aviation investigation.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police say the helicopter had departed from Fredericton and was heading toward the Sussex airport, located northeast of Saint John.

Police were alerted shortly before 7 p.m. after the aircraft was reported missing while carrying only one person on board.

According to investigators, the alert came through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax after the helicopter failed to arrive as expected.

Search teams later located the main cabin of the aircraft during the early hours of Sunday in the area where its final signal had been detected.

The pilot was found deceased at the crash site.

Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed that investigators are travelling to the area to examine the wreckage and determine what caused the accident.

The agency says the crash happened close to Sussex airport, where the helicopter had been expected to land.

The aircraft involved, manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company, is a widely used four seat light helicopter commonly operated for private travel, training, and commercial utility work.

Technical information shows the model has a compact design, an overall length of approximately 11.7 metres, and can operate at altitudes reaching more than four kilometres.

Officials have not yet indicated whether weather, mechanical failure, or communication loss may have contributed to the crash.

The investigation will focus on flight conditions, aircraft systems, pilot history, and final flight path data before formal findings are released.

Courtesy: thecanadianpressnews