Transportation Safety Board removes helicopter from Thorburn Lake crash site

Members of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada have completed their work at the scene of a fatal helicopter crash in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Robinson R44 light utility helicopter, carrying three men, crashed Monday shortly before 4 p.m. near Thorburn Lake, about 200 kilometres northwest of St. John's.

Safety board spokesman Chris Krepski says the helicopter has now been moved to a secure location.

He says investigators have removed some instruments and components for further analysis at the TSB lab in Ottawa.

Krepski says investigators continue to speak to witnesses in the area.

RCMP said a 69-year-old Gambo man died at the scene, while two others, a 68-year-old man from Aquaforte and a 54-year-old man from St. John's, were transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Possible strong winds

RCMP Staff Sgt.Larry Turnertold CBC News earlier this week on the scene thatthe helicopter was travelling from Labrador,and made one prior stop before continuing toThorburn Lake for a possible refuel.

"They were coming in for a landing when they experienced difficulties," Turner said.

He had said while the helicopter is still intact, there is significant damage to the skis and tail section.

Turner said it appearedthere was a strong wind in the cove but he couldn'tguess what actually caused the crash, saying he would leave it to the safety board to complete an investigation.

Read morefrom CBC Newfoundland and Labrador