Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Victim identified in crash: Helicopter pilot conducting flight training

Twenty-nine-year-old helicopter pilot and mother of two Tiffany Hanna has been identified as the victim in Monday’s fatal helicopter crash at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

Victim identified in crash.
Tiffany Hanna

Twenty-nine-year-old helicopter pilot and mother of two Tiffany Hanna has been identified as the victim in Monday’s fatal helicopter crash at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.

Hanna, a flight instructor with Great Lakes Helicopter, was conducting a routine flight training exercise with a student Monday morning, when the helicopter crashed into a stormwater pond at the airport.

Hanna was pronounced dead at the scene. Her student, who has yet to be identified, was rushed to a Hamilton General Hospital to be treated for injuries.

Investigators with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada have indicated it appeared the helicopter, a Robinson 22, lost power soon after takeoff and hit the ground hard. But officials aren’t making any premature guesses as to the cause of the crash.

“The engine has been removed and has been transported to our Richmond Hill office,” explained safety board spokesperson Julie Leroux.

While the investigation continues, Hanna’s family and co-workers are left in mourning,
reflecting upon memories shared with the young pilot and mother.

Great Lakes Helicopter general manager Jo Anne Leyburne offered condolences in a statement from the company.

“Tiffany was more than just an employee, she was a great friend and confidant. We have all lost a dear member of the Great Lakes family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all families and friends at this difficult time.”

A memorial trust fund is being set up to help support Hanna’s family, with details about the fund on the company’s website at www.greatlakeshelicopter.ca.

Funeral services for Hanna will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Brock and Visser Funeral Home in Woodstock. Hanna’s obituary noticed stated that she was the beloved partner of Stephen Dillman and the much-loved mother of Tyler and Daxton.

 http://www.cambridgetimes.ca

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