Lucky01 Posted July 17, 2018 Posted July 17, 2018 Helicopter designer and pilot dead after crash near Okotoks By MADELINE SMITH StarMetro Calgary Mon., July 16, 2018 CALGARY—An Alberta designer of lightweight helicopters is dead after a crash northeast of Okotoks, Alta., on Sunday. John Uptigrove was the pilot of the ultralight helicopter that went down around 5:30 p.m., according to his business partner Dwight Junkin, the owner of Composite FX in Trenton, Fla. RCMP say fishermen called police after they saw the helicopter crash, and the 54-year-old pilot, from Rocky View County, was the only person on board. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Uptigrove’s company, Innovator Technologies, designed a line of helicopters called Mosquito, and Junkin’s company produced and distributed the parts and kits for owners to build their own helicopters. A statement from Junkin’s company offers condolences and asks the “Mosquito community” to be respectful of Uptigrove’s family. RIP Mate, Always followed these machines with a keen interest. 1
Head in the clouds Posted July 17, 2018 Posted July 17, 2018 That's really sad to hear, of the ultralight helos the mozzie is one of the best designs and build quality, and has good handling characteristics. RIP 1
planedriver Posted July 22, 2018 Posted July 22, 2018 Very sad! Lost a good mate flying one almost 9 yrs ago now in NW Sydney.
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