Air transportation

The occurrence

On 28 August 2023, a privately registered Cessna 152 aircraft, operated by AFS Aerial Photography, departed from the Claresholm Industrial Airport, Alberta, with one pilot on board. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft collided with terrain approximately 6000 feet northeast of the airport. The emergency locator transmitter activated, and its signal was received by several aircraft in the vicinity. There was no post-impact fire.

The pilot was fatally injured.

The occurrence

On 19 May 2023, a Fairchild SA227-TT aircraft operated by Skycare Air Ambulance was conducting a flight from Sioux Lookout, Ontario, to Deer Lake, Ontario, with four crew members and one passenger on board.

The occurrence

On 01 August 2023, an Orizon Aviation Québec Inc. Cessna 152 aircraft was on a local training flight, with one pilot on board.

Upon landing at the Québec/Jean Lesage International Airport (CYQB), Quebec, the aircraft bounced and veered off the runway to the south, and then became airborne again. As the aircraft climbed, the left wing stalled, and the Cessna collided with the ground.

The pilot was seriously injured. There was no post-impact fire.

The occurrence

On 28 June 2023, a Bell Helicopter 206L-1 operated by Custom Helicopters Ltd. departed from Truelove Inlet, Nunavut, for Devon Island, Nunavut, with one pilot and two passengers on board. During the flight, the pilot lost visual reference and collided with the ice- and snow-covered terrain.

The passengers and pilot sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. The helicopter was destroyed.

The occurrence

On 19 July 2023, the Valhalla Helicopters Inc. Bell Textron Inc. 205A-1 helicopter (registration C-GRUV, serial number 30198) was conducting operations in support of firefighting efforts in north-central Alberta. At 1803 Mountain Daylight Time, the helicopter departed Haig Lake firebase, Alberta, on a visual flight rules flight to a forest fire located approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of Peace River Aerodrome (CYPE), Alberta, with 1 pilot onboard and an empty bucket suspended below the helicopter on a 150-foot longline.

The occurrence

On 25 August 2023, a Synergy Aviation Ltd. Robinson R44II helicopter was conducting external load work 30 nautical miles east of Grand Cache, Alberta.

While the helicopter was lifting off from an oil field site, the longline that was connected to the cargo hook of the helicopter snagged a railing associated with the oil field infrastructure. The helicopter subsequently collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage.

The occurrence

On 20 August 2023, an Expedition Helicopters AS-350 BA helicopter was conducting external load operations near Wawa, Ontario, in support of a mining operation.