The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 31 August 2023.
Controlled flight into terrain
Synergy Aviation Ltd.
Guimbal Cabri G2 (helicopter), C-GSYN
Wachigabau Lake, Quebec
The occurrence
On , at 1030 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Synergy Aviation Ltd. Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter (registration C-GSYN, serial number 1176) departed from a staging area in Chapais, Quebec, 12 nautical miles west of the Chibougamau/Chapais Airport (CYMT), Quebec. The pilot was the sole occupant on board the aircraft, which headed southwest toward Wachigabau Lake, Quebec, to perform airborne geophysical survey work.
At approximately 1144 EDT, as the helicopter was operating at low altitude over Wachigabau Lake, it struck the surface of the lake, overturned, and started to sink. The pilot sustained serious injuries from the impact, but conducted an underwater egress and swam to shore. No emergency locator transmitter distress beacon signal was captured by the Cospas-Sarsat system. At 1402 EDT, the Synergy Aviation Ltd. Operations manager called the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario, to report the accident. The pilot was rescued by a Canadian Armed Forces helicopter at 1641 EDT and taken to the Chibougamau Hospital.
Media materials
News release
Undetected descent led to a 2021 helicopter accident in Wachigabau Lake, Quebec
Read the news release
Investigation information
A21Q0097
Controlled flight into terrain
Synergy Aviation Ltd.
Guimbal Cabri G2 (helicopter), C-GSYN
Wachigabau Lake, Quebec
Photos
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.