TTHENEAAGO/NAHANNI BUTTE - The investigation is still continuing into a fatal helicopter crash that took place in a mountain range outside of Nahanni Butte.

The helicopter was owned by Wild Water Heli-Fishing Ltd., based in B.C., and contracted to Nahanni Butte Outfitters, a company that offers big game hunts in the Mackenzie Mountains.

The incident occurred when the Robinson R44 model helicopter carrying two passengers and a pilot was attempting to touch down on a ridge in the Franklin Mountains at approximately 4:55 p.m. on Aug. 4, said Jon Lee, the western regional manager for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

The pilot then lost control of the helicopter and it tumbled approximately 300 meters down the east side of the ridge.

"Right now we're still investigating the circumstances around it," Lee said about the loss of control.

After impact the helicopter erupted into fire. The pilot, who was ejected from the helicopter during the crash, survived with serious injuries and is recovering in Edmonton.

The two passengers died at the scene. The coroner is investigating the cause of the deaths, Lee said.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is still collecting information for its investigation including weather information and details from the companies involved. The pilot has been interviewed, said Lee.

A hunting guide who was on the ridge top and had a satellite phone reported the crash.

Cpl. Dennis McLeod of the Fort Liard RCMP detachment accompanied a local helicopter pilot to the scene after receiving notice of the incident at approximately 5:25 p.m. The crash site is approximately 40 km southwest of Nahanni Butte.

The ridge consisted of "steep inclines, loose shale" said McLeod. The slope had an approximately 45 degree angle.

"It was a bad place to be," he said.

The remains of the machine were almost unrecognizable as a helicopter, said McLeod

"There was nothing. It was pretty well destroyed," he said.

The bodies of the passengers were recovered on Aug. 6. Although the next of kin have been notified the names of the passengers aren't being released until positive identification of the bodies can be made, said McLeod.

The RCMP is assisting the Office of the Coroner and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada with the investigation.

"At this point it's not a criminal matter," said McLeod.