The Canadian Press

Resident recalls waving at helicopter pilot just before he crashed into street

Wed May 14, 4:28 AM

By The Canadian Press

CRANBROOK, B.C. - Helen Daugherty won't ever know if the helicopter pilot saw her wave as he circled low over her Cranbrook home Tuesday afternoon.

A minute later, the aircraft slammed into the pavement out front of Daugherty's house, killing all three on board as well as a man walking along the street.

Police in this small, interior British Columbia city say it doesn't appear the pilot had any time to send a distress message before the helicopter crashed.

Daugherty remembers screaming for someone to help pull the people from the wreckage as fire and thick black smoke filled the sky.

Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board arrived from Vancouver Tuesday evening and were pouring over the wreckage, which had been covered by a white tent.

And while a full explanation may be weeks or months away, both police and nearby residents agree that it could have been worse. The quiet street where the crash occurred is lined with houses and apartment buildings - many of which were occupied at the time.

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