Pilot Killed in Quebec Helicopter Crash on Birthday Flight

An experienced pilot, identified as Suzanne Jutras, 50, died Saturday afternoon when the helicopter she was piloting crashed in a field on Montreal's South Shore. All four people aboard were killed instantly. The flight was intended to celebrate the birthday of passenger Chantal Raymond.

Killed alongside Jutras were Raymond; her son, Loucas Perreault; and her daughter Oceane Perreault's fiancé, Gabriel Jasmin. Oceane Perreault is now grappling with the loss of her mother, brother, and fiancé, who was also the father of her young daughter.

'On September 26, a part of my world flew away to heaven,' Oceane Perreault wrote in a Facebook post. 'I don’t have the words to describe the pain, the shock, and the emptiness I feel. Three people I love more than anything were taken from me far too soon, right before my eyes.'

Jutras, who owned two helicopters and had been flying for several years, operated helicopter tours and was known within local aviation communities. Her partner, Yves Boulais, witnessed the crash. He told Le Journal de Quebec that he saw the helicopter approach its landing area, stop, begin to turn, and then tilt before plummeting to the ground and erupting in flames.

Boulais attempted to reach the wreckage with a tractor from a neighboring property but could not get closer than about ten feet due to the intensity of the fire.

The Surete du Quebec was alerted to the crash around 2:30 p.m. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Jutras reportedly had accumulated over 500 hours of flying experience.

Gabriel Jasmin was a radio host on 106.1 Energie in Sherbrooke. Bell Media, the station's owner, offered condolences and stated that psychological support would be made available to its Sherbrooke team members.

Chantal Raymond's husband, Martin Perreault, mourned his wife of nearly 40 years, calling her his "better half," best friend, and constant companion. He also described their son, Loucas Perreault, as his "pride and joy" with many plans left to accomplish, and Gabriel Jasmin as an integral part of the family.

Oceane Perreault shared a message urging others to cherish their loved ones, tell them they are loved, and appreciate the small moments, emphasizing that people matter most. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon stated that the safety of civil aviation operations is Transport Canada's top priority and that the department is ready to support and collaborate with all involved parties.