Helicopter crash kills pilot in Pend Oreille County

PEND OREILLE CO., Wash -- The pilot, 24-year-old Bret W. Ahler from Walla Walla, Washington, died when the Karman K-600 Helicopter crashed on Friday afternoon.

[Bryan Ahler]

Brett was my cousin who was the "All American Boy". He was the youngest pilot ever to receive his level of helicopter certification. My heart and prayers go to his mom, dad and brother.

[Chris Abshirte]

Bret was my pilot for 3 months in the Gulf of Mexico. The first day he started w/ us, he (barely knowing me)let me borrow his truck to get back home for a wedding. He always performed above and beyond. Although he was a lot younger than the other pilots, I felt the safest with him. Its unimaginable that something like this could happen to him.

[Sue Gibson]

Bryan Ahler wrote:

Brett was my cousin who was the "All American Boy". He was the youngest pilot ever to receive his level of helicopter certification. My heart and prayers go to his mom, dad and brother.

I lost my husband 2 years ago in a Helicopter crash at the age of 29. My heart goes out to you and your family xx

[Steve Ahler]

Bryan Ahler wrote:

Brett was my cousin who was the "All American Boy". He was the youngest pilot ever to receive his level of helicopter certification. My heart and prayers go to his mom, dad and brother.

There will never be another Bret. Thanks goes to all. Its been over 2 years now and we are still lost without him. He shows up in some of the greatest situations.
He left behind more friends then we ever knew. We all love you kid.

[Steve Ahler]

There will never be another Bret. Thanks goes to all. Its been over 2 years now and we are still lost without him. He shows up in some of the greatest situations.
He left behind more friends then we ever knew. We all love you kid.