Canadian pilot dies after falling into Antarctic crevasse

A Manitoba man who died after plunging into a crevasse while working in Antarctica is being remembered as a good friend and a skilled helicopter pilot.

The helicopter pilot is in a critical condition at Davis station, according to the Australian Antarctic Division.

“Mr. Wood was a respected colleague and friend to many in the Australian Antarctic program”, said the statement, which added that efforts were being made to return his body to Australia.

The injured pilot was lifted from the crevasse and taken to the station’s medical facility, where he was treated by specialists but died later of his injuries.

But in a statement on Tuesday night Dr Gales said Mr Wood had died.

“Not what you think would happen in our kind of business”, Mr Meili told Canadian press.

Wood was employed by a helicopter firm working with Australia’s Antarctic programme.

The pilots were flying solo in the two helicopters, as is routine during sling loading operations.

After sling-dropping the fuel drums, the two pilots landed to retrieve the equipment.

Mr Wood fell down the crevasse after leaving his aircraft, while the second pilot, unable to help, contacted Davis station and flew back for help.

Davis is the southernmost of Australia’s three Antarctic stations, which also include Casey and Mawson, along with a sub-Antarctic station at Macquarie Island.

Wood spent decades as a helicopter pilot, including spending time as fighting forest fires in Canadian territories.

He said Mr Wood had received the best possible medical care from highly trained doctors at the base, supported by an “enormous” network of medical advice.

“Dave will certainly be missed in the Yukon and in our industry”.