Mosquito Designer/Builder in Accident

[Lucky01]

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.

 

 

[Head in the clouds]

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

 

 

[Sam Wilson]

Sad news. RIP.

 

 

[planedriver]

Very sad!

 

Lost a good mate flying one almost 9 yrs ago now in NW Sydney.