Updated in June 2023 : This investigation is in the report phase.
Loss of control
Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3
Mustang Helicopters Inc.
Smithers, British Columbia
The occurrence
A Mustang Helicopters Inc. Airbus Helicopter AS350 B3 was conducting maintenance ground runs at Smithers Airport, BC. While on the flight idle power setting, the helicopter began an uncontrollable rotation, striking two maintenance staff who were on the ground beside the helicopter. The pilot was able to cut the fuel to shut down the engine and keep the helicopter upright. One of the maintenance workers was fatally injured, the other received serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital for treatment. There was no fire.
Investigation information
A23P0040
Loss of control
Airbus Helicopters AS350 B3
Mustang Helicopters Inc.
Smithers, British Columbia
Investigator-in-charge
Dan Clarke joined the TSB’s Air Investigations Branch as a Senior Technical Investigator in the Pacific Region in 2018. During his career, Mr. Clarke worked as an aircraft maintenance engineer – structures, for several fixed wing and rotary wing operations.
Mr. Clarke also has several years’ experience as a Quality Assurance Manager. Prior to joining the TSB, he worked for Transport Canada's Civil Aviation Branch for nine years, the first four years as an Airworthiness Inspector and the last five years as a Technical Team Lead.
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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.