The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 16 October 2017.
Loss of power and collision with trees
Ridge Rotors Inc.
Bell 206B (Helicopter), C-GHHU
Fox Creek Airport, Alberta, 12 nm SW
The occurrence
On 5 September 2016, a Ridge Rotors Inc. Bell 206B helicopter was conducting a wildlife survey flight that had originated in Whitecourt, Alberta. During the flight, the helicopter experienced a power loss, contacted trees, and struck the ground. The pilot sustained serious injuries; one passenger had minor injuries; and one passenger was fatally injured. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
Media materials
News release
Engine power loss resulting from low-fuel operation led to helicopter crash near Whitecourt, Alberta, in 2016
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators to the site of a helicopter accident 20 km south-west of Fox Creek, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, 5 September 2016 - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to the site of a helicopter accident 20 km south-west of Fox Creek, Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A16W0126
Loss of power and collision with trees
Ridge Rotors Inc.
Bell 206B (Helicopter), C-GHHU
Fox Creek Airport, Alberta, 12 nm SW
Investigator-in-charge
Mike Adam joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) in early 2014, bringing with him extensive experience in aviation line maintenance and quality assurance for transport category air carriers. Mr. Adam also has experience with various single and twin engine aircraft, both piston and turbine powered, as well as amateur-built aircraft.
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.