The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 8 February 2022.
Loss of control and collision with terrain
Helicopter Transport Services (Canada) Inc.
Bell 214ST (helicopter), C-GDYZ
Nipigon, Ontario, 14 NM NE
The occurrence
On , a Bell 214ST helicopter operated by Helicopter Transport Services (Canada) Inc., was returning to Nipigon, Ontario, after fire suppression operations while carrying a collapsible bucket on a long line. The pilot noticed a vibration in the tail rotor pedals accompanied by a grinding noise. The low oil pressure warning lights of the two tail rotor gearboxes illuminated followed immediately by a loss of yaw control. The pilot released the long line, declared a Mayday and conducted a forced landing. The helicopter landed heavily and came to rest on its left side. The pilot, who was the sole occupant on board, was wearing a helmet and lap belt and was seriously injured. The pilot shut down the engines and was able to exit the aircraft. The emergency locator transmitter activated and there was no fire. The helicopter was substantially damaged.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: Loss of control and collision with terrain
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys team to helicopter accident near Nipigon, Ontario
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 22 June 2021 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators following an accident involving a Bell 214ST helicopter near Nipigon, Ontario, that occurred on Monday 7 June 2021. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A21C0052
Loss of control and collision with terrain
Helicopter Transport Services (Canada) Inc.
Bell 214ST (helicopter), C-GDYZ
Nipigon, Ontario, 14 NM NE
Investigator-in-charge
Mr. Barrett joined the TSB in March 2010 as a Technical Investigator/Air in the Central Region office located in Winnipeg. He has over 40 years of maintenance experience on fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
Mr. Barrett holds an M1/M2 AME licence, and has held various positions maintaining numerous types of aircraft for operators in Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Before joining the TSB, he was an instructor for four years in the Aircraft Maintenance diploma and apprenticeship programs at Red River College, Stevenson Campus, in Winnipeg. Since joining the TSB, Mr. Barrett has participated in numerous TSB investigations.
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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
- 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.