TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 21 March 2025.
Controlled flight into terrain
Canadian Helicopters Limited – Hélicoptères Canadiens Limitée
Bell 206L (helicopter), C-GLQY
Vallillee Lake, Quebec
The occurrence
On 07 April 2023, at 0821 Eastern Daylight Time, the Bell 206L helicopter (registration C‑GLQY, serial number 45146) operated by Canadian Helicopters Limited – Hélicoptères Canadiens Limitée took off from ArcelorMittal’s facilities in Port-Cartier, Quebec, with the pilot and 3 passengers on board. The pilot was conducting a northbound visual flight rules flight to the company’s Fox camp located along the railway, 49 nautical miles northwest of Port-Cartier.
Snow showers began in the vicinity of Vallillee Lake, Quebec, approximately 38 nautical miles northwest of Port-Cartier, which decreased the visibility and lowered the cloud ceiling. The visibility deteriorated very quickly; the pilot therefore reduced his speed and height. While he was flying over a small lake connected to the northern part of Vallillee Lake, the pilot suddenly lost the visual references in front of him. He made a right turn, where he could see trees on the east shore. During the turn, he momentarily lost his visual references, but regained them just before the helicopter struck the lake’s frozen surface. The helicopter rolled onto its left side and was substantially damaged. The pilot activated the emergency locator transmitter. The 4 occupants were able to extricate themselves from the wreckage. Shortly afterwards, another company helicopter rescued them and transported them to the hospital in Sept-Îles, Quebec.
Media materials
Investigation information
A23Q0038
Controlled flight into terrain
Canadian Helicopters Limited – Hélicoptères Canadiens Limitée
Bell 206L (helicopter), C-GLQY
Vallillee Lake, Quebec
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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.