Fatal Helicopter Crash in Idaho Under Investigation

BOONEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho — Federal authorities are investigating a deadly helicopter crash that occurred Thursday afternoon at Ririe Reservoir, claiming the life of a pilot and injuring a passenger. The incident involved a Bell 505 helicopter and was reported shortly after 4:40 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Onlookers described a tense scene as multiple agencies responded using snowmobiles to reach the crash site. The sheriff’s office confirmed that responders discovered two individuals inside the wreckage. One occupant was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Bonneville County Coroner Shante Sanchez identified the deceased as 59-year-old Bradford Brown of Alpine, Utah. While Sanchez verified that Brown was the helicopter’s owner, the investigation’s results will determine if he was piloting the aircraft at the time of the crash. “We are still confirming details surrounding this tragic event,” Sanchez said.

A preliminary report from the FAA indicated that the helicopter struck a power line before descending onto the ice-covered lake. The sheriff’s office has speculated that more information is needed to understand why the helicopter was in the area.

As a precautionary measure, local deputies secured the Ririe Reservoir area and shut it down due to fallen power lines and unstable ice conditions following the crash. The identity of the passenger has not yet been disclosed.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available on this ongoing investigation.