Update:
CTV News has learned the name of the helicopter pilot who was killed in a crash north of Toronto Tuesday afternoon.
The chopper was from Essential Helicopters in North Bay, and the pilot lost was Jim Armstrong, originally from Sudbury.
Armstrong is being remembered by colleagues and friends in the pilot community Wednesday.
He was also a lead instructor in Canadore College's aviation program.
The company issued a new statement today on his passing:
"We are deeply saddened to have lost a long-time friend, colleague, and experienced pilot. We would like to thank all who have reached out to us to offer support. Ours is an amazing industry."
Original:
Police in York Region, North of Toronto say there's been a fatal crash of a helicopter in the Stouffville area.
It had left North Bay Tuesday afternoon headed for Buttonville airport in Markham.
York Regional Police Const. Laura Nicolle said that a search began for the small helicopter around 2:55 pm after it experienced “a technical difficulty” and lost contact with the airport. The helicopter was found near Warden Avenue and Aurora Road in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
Nicolle said that it appears as though the helicopter made a hard landing and crashed into the area.
The helicopter pilot has been pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the pilot was the lone occupant of the helicopter.
The North Bay company involved, Essential Helicopters, is headquartered out of Canadore College Aviation Campus, released this statement:
"It's been confirmed one of our aircraft and one of our senior pilots were involved in a crash. And we're working with the Transportation Safety Board and Transport Canada at this time."
Police say the pilot was the lone occupant and the helicopter company will not release the identity of the pilot, nor confirm where they are from.
Police have shut down the area of Warden Avenue between St. Johns Sideroad and Aurora Roadbecause the helicopter was located somewhere in a forested area here, and the transportation safety board wants the perimeter secured as it investigates.
We have unconfirmed reports that the helicopter involved was a Robinson R44ii.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent a team of investigators to the scene of the crash.
