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August 2023 Crash

Charges laid in helicopter crash near Enderby

Jan 30, 2025 | 4:48 PM

One person has been charged in connection with a helicopter crash near Enderby in the summer of 2023.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said the helicopter reportedly crashed into a shallow section of the Shuswap River near Mable Lake Resort, east of Enderby, on August 12, 2023.

The occupants of the helicopter were injured in the crash.

READ MORE: UPDATE: Helicopter crash near Enderby sends three to hospital, pilot left scene

Police launched an investigation at the time and, after 16 months, police announced Thursday, Jan. 30, that charges had been laid against the man alleged to have been piloting the helicopter.

Vincent Matthew Porteous, 38, was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with criminal negligence causing bodily harm, operating a conveyance in a manner dangerous to the public and causing bodily harm, and failing to assist or offer assistance to an injured person.

Porteous was also charged with operating a helicopter without a license or permit and operating a helicopter without a valid certificate of registration under the Aeronautics Act.

The B.C. Prosecution Service told Vernon Matters that Porteous would appear in Kelowna court to consult counsel on March 4, 2025.

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