Lone crash survivor escaped through helicopter window

The lone survivor of last month's deadly helicopter crash off the east coast of Newfoundland says he escaped through the aircraft's window after it hit the water.

In a one-page statement issued by family friend David Philpott on Thursday, Robert Decker said he has told RCMP investigators everything he knows about the March 12 Cougar Helicopters crash that killed 17 people on board.

"Any information I hold that might improve safety and restore confidence has been appropriately released to the RCMP," he wrote.

Decker, 27, said he won't speak publicly about the incident until the Transportation Safety Board of Canada issues its final report so his words "will not sabotage or hinder" the process.

However, he did provide some information to help "settle many of the misleading rumours."

"I escaped through a window after I released my seatbelt shortly after impact. I reached the surface and managed to remain calm until I was rescued," he wrote.

Decker said he does not know how Allison Maher escaped from the helicopter, which had been taking offshore workers to oil platforms.

Maher's body was recovered by rescuers.

He also said the entire event happened "extremely fast."

"There was no time for panic. There were no words spoken. There was no time for suffering," he wrote.

Decker, who is recovering at home, asked for support and patience as he spends the upcoming months trying to resume a "normal life," and warned the media against asking for interviews.

RCMP officials on Thursday also said they wouldn't provide any details about Decker's account of the crash.