Four people died on September 26 afternoon when a helicopter crashed into a field in Saint-Brigide-d’Iberville, in the Montérégie region, and caught fire. According to Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson Audrey-Anne Bilodeau, the aircraft went down shortly after 2:30 p.m. with four individuals on board, leaving no chance for survival.
The Victims and the Flight Details
The aircraft was carrying pilot Suzanne Jutras, 50, alongside three passengers: radio host Gabriel Jasmin, his mother-in-law Chantal Raymond, and his brother-in-law Loucas Perreault. Océane Perreault, who lost her partner Gabriel Jasmin, her brother Loucas, and her mother Chantal all at once, shared her grief publicly. She wrote that a helicopter tour meant to celebrate her mother’s birthday turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
Jean-François Benoit, a senior manager at Bell Media in the Eastern Townships, described the incident as an unspeakable tragedy. He noted that Gabriel Jasmin, 29, worked as a radio host at Énergie Estrie, had become a father a little over a year prior, and was a dedicated team member.
Experience of the Pilot and Aircraft Condition
Yves Benoit, the partner of pilot Suzanne Jutras, shared that she was an experienced pilot with more than 500 flight hours to her credit. He stated that the helicopter was in good working condition and that she operated private commercial flights from the couple’s farm in Sainte-Brigide-d’Iberville.
Helicopter pilot Jean-Michel Dumont noted that obtaining a commercial pilot license requires accumulating 100 flight hours, while a private license for non-remunerated purposes requires 60 hours. Tributes for the victims quickly circulated on social media, with acquaintances describing the pilot as talented and passionate.
Did You Know? According to aviation regulations cited by pilot Jean-Michel Dumont, obtaining a commercial helicopter licence requires 100 hours of flight time, whereas a private licence for non-remunerated purposes requires 60 hours.
Investigation and Timeline for Answers
Because the event is not criminal in nature, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) took charge of the investigation into the crash. Former TSB investigator André Turenne stated that the families of the victims will likely have to wait at least a year before receiving definitive answers regarding the cause of the accident.
Details of the helicopter crash victims and investigation
When and where did the helicopter crash occur?
The crash happened on the afternoon of September 26, shortly after 2:30 p.m., in Saint-Brigide-d’Iberville in the Montérégie region.
Who were the individuals on board the aircraft?
The occupants were pilot Suzanne Jutras and passengers Gabriel Jasmin, Chantal Raymond, and Loucas Perreault.
Who is investigating the cause of the crash?
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) is leading the investigation because the incident is not criminal in nature.
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