Erie Airport helicopter crash victims identified

Posted: Jan 27, 2015 / 02:09 PM MST

Updated: Jan 27, 2015 / 02:09 PM MST

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ERIE, Colo. — The victims of Monday’s helicopter crash at Erie Airport have been identified as Alex Viola and Amy Wood.

Their names were released in a Facebook Post by Mountain One Helicopters, the company which owned the chopper the two victims flying. The post says Viola was an instructor with Mountain One while Wood was a student learning to fly.

“We are deeply saddened to report that one of our aircraft was involved in an accident during a flight training mission at the Erie Airport today. Our beloved instructor Alex Viola and student pilot Amy Wood, who was working on her private license, both received fatal injuries. I can’t put into words our sadness and feelings of grief for the loss of Alex and Amy. All of our thoughts and prayers are with both of their families and loved ones.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are the agencies responsible for the investigation of the incident and determination of probable cause. We will provide more information as it becomes available to us.”

Erie Municipal Airport is located on Highway 7, three miles west of Interstate 25. Erie Airpark, a residential subdivision, is located adjacent to the airport.

According to emergency radio traffic, witnesses initially reported seeing smoke and fire at the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered scorched grass and parts of the craft scattered several feet away from the main crash site.