The pilot alleged to have committed a number offences related to a North Okanagan helicopter crash almost two years ago won't go to trial until early 2026.
Vincent Porteous appeared before a judicial case manager Thursday, June 12, at which time a pre-trial conference was scheduled for Jan. 9, 2026. According to the BC Prosecution Service, his trial is set to begin on Feb. 17 of next year and run until approximately March 4.
Porteous was following a 16-month police investigation into an incident that saw a helicopter crash into shallow waters in the Shuswap River. The crash occurred near Hupel, east of Enderby and west of Mabel Lake, on Aug. 12, 2023. The incident sent four passengers to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and a dog on board was killed. The pilot of the plane fled the scene, which led to the lengthy investigation.
Multiple eyewitnesses reported seeing a helicopter flying erratically and touching down in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park not long before the crash.
Porteous faces the following five charges: criminal negligence causing bodily harm in the operation of a helicopter, dangerous operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm, failing to stop after an accident, making a false representation contrary to the Aeronautics Act, and violating a prohibition contrary to the Aeronautics Act.
Porteous, born in 1986, is not in custody.
He has a criminal history dating back 20 years, according to court records. He's been convicted of possession of stolen property over $5,000 in Salmon Arm, and of uttering threats, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence in Kelowna.
In 2016, an in relation to the theft of a snowmobile that police were using as bait in Revelstoke.
Porteous had a pre-trial conference before a case management judge on May 15.
