ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Updated 3:47 p.m. 10/31/2011: Troopers have identified the helicopter’s pilot as 66-year-old senior pilot William Zeman from Douglas, Alaska.
Troopers say Zeman was flying from Bethel to Iliamna to refuel before continuing on to Anchorage.Troopers were able to reach the crash Sunday afternoon and recovered Zeman’s body.
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Initial Story - Sunday, Oct. 30: An Era Helicopters LLC chopper pilot has been confirmed dead by the company and Alaska State Troopers Sunday. The aircraft's wreckage was found near Iliamna Sunday afternoon after it was reported missing en route to Iliamna Saturday night.
National Transportation Safety Board investigator Clint Johnson says the wreckage was discovered six to eight miles southwest of Iliamna. Era Helicopters reported that the helicopter’s pilot was its only occupant.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to identify the helicopter as belonging to Era Helicopters LLC, a separate company from Era Aviation.
