Air transportation safety investigation A24W0086

Table of contents

    Mid-air collision
    L R Helicopters Inc.
    Bell Helicopter Company, a Division of Textron Inc., 212 (helicopter), C-FTLR
    and
    Namao Flying Club
    Cessna 172M, C-GJJL
    Edmonton/Villeneuve Airport (CZVL), Alberta, 13 NM NW

    The occurrence

    On 09 July 2024, a mid-air collision occurred between an L R Helicopters Inc. Bell 212 helicopter, and a Cessna 172 airplane registered to the Namao Flying Club.

    The helicopter was enroute from Fort McMurray Airport (CYMM), Alberta, to Rocky Mountain House Aerodrome (CYRM), Alberta, with only the pilot on board. The airplane had departed Edmonton/Villeneuve Airport (CZVL), Alberta, and was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) proficiency training flight with a flight instructor and a licensed private pilot on board.

    While the airplane was approximately 13 nautical miles northwest of CZVL, on its way back to land at the airport, the leading edge of the airplane’s right wing tip and the right side of the helicopter’s tail skid made contact.

    The pilot of the helicopter landed in a farm field shortly after the collision, while the airplane continued on and landed safely on the runway at CZVL. The TSB is investigating.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A24W0086

    Mid-air collision
    L R Helicopters Inc.
    Bell Helicopter Company, a Division of Textron Inc., 212 (helicopter), C-FTLR
    and
    Namao Flying Club
    Cessna 172M, C-GJJL
    Edmonton/Villeneuve Airport (CZVL), Alberta, 13 NM NW

    Photos

    Damage to the right wing tip on the Cessna 172 after the mid-air collision (Source: TSB) Damage to the tail skid area on the Bell 212 following the collision (Source: TSB)

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 4 investigation. These investigations are limited in scope, and while the final reports may contain limited analysis, they do not contain findings or recommendations. Class 4 investigations are generally completed within 220 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.