Air transportation safety investigation A24W0016

Table of contents

    Collision with terrain
    Hanley Heli Service Inc.
    Bell 206L Helicopter, C-GCHM
    Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

    The occurrence

    On , a Bell 206L helicopter, operated by Hanley Heli Service Inc., was conducting aerial survey work in the western area of Lake Athabasca near Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.

    While flying over the lake, the pilot encountered an abrupt change in weather that resulted in low visibility conditions in the area. He attempted to return to the Fort Chipewyan Airport, but was unable to land and turned back south over the lake. Shortly after, the helicopter struck the frozen surface of Lake Athabasca, activating the emergency locator transmitter. Search and rescue operations were immediately initiated, and the helicopter was eventually located approximately 4 nautical miles east-southeast of the airport.

    The pilot, who was the only person on board, was fatally injured. There was no post-impact fire. The TSB is investigating.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A24W0016

    Collision with terrain
    Hanley Heli Service Inc.
    Bell 206L Helicopter, C-GCHM
    Fort Chipewyan, Alberta

    Investigator-in-charge

    Image
    Photo of Daryl Collins

    Daryl Collins joined the TSB in 2009 after a 20 year career with the Canadian Armed Forces, having flown as a search and rescue helicopter pilot on the CH146 Griffon, the CH113 Labrador, and the CH149 Cormorant helicopter. In his last position with the Canadian Forces, Mr. Collins was the Commanding Officer of 103 Search and Rescue Squadron based out of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador.

    During his time with the Canadian Forces, Mr. Collins was responsible for the development and implementation of Canadian Forces-wide human performance training for all aircrew, maintenance, and air traffic control personnel and was heavily involved in flight safety. In addition, he obtained a Masters of Aeronautical Science with a dual specialization in Human Factors and System Safety.

    Since joining the TSB, Mr. Collins has been actively involved in numerous accident investigations.

    Mr. Collins holds an Airline Transport Licence – Helicopter with over 3200 hours of flying experience.

    Photos

    Image
    Aerial view of the helicopter accident site near Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. (Credit: TSB)

      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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.