Helicopter crash in Copper Lake sparks environmental, health concerns
SILVERTON — Those who have explored the Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area describe it as “wild” — a landscape of rocky mountain peaks, forests and alpine meadows.
A recent helicopter crash into one of the region’s most remote and pristine lakes has ignited concerns among activists and officials, who say such fly-in tourism can harm protected wilderness, as well as people downstream.
Around 8:30 p.m. Sept. 8, a Eurocopter AS350 “Ecureuil” or “Squirrel” helicopter crashed into Copper Lake, part of the watershed that feeds into Spada Lake, the main drinking water source for Snohomish County.
The pilot, from Arlington-based WorldWind Helicopters, Inc., had initially dropped off four people near the south end of Copper Lake. The pilot then left and tried to bring four more people to the shoreline, when the helicopter crashed into the water.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/helicopter-crash-in-copper-lake-sparks-environmental-health-concerns/