The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 4 March 2024.
Collision with terrain
Synergy Aviation Ltd.
Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) R44 II, C-GNEC
Grande Cache, Alberta, 30 NM ENE
The occurrence
On , 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 pilot, who was the sole occupant, was seriously injured.
Media materials
News release
Investigation report: Collision with terrain near Grande Cache, Alberta
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators following a helicopter accident near Grand Cache, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, 25 August 2023 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators to Grand Cache, Alberta, to investigate a helicopter accident involving a Robinson R44II registered to Synergy Aviation Ltd., which occurred today. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
A23W0100
Collision with terrain
Synergy Aviation Ltd.
Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) R44 II, C-GNEC
Grande Cache, Alberta, 30 NM ENE
Investigator-in-charge
Jared Doell joined the Transportation Safety Board of Canada as an investigator in the air branch of the TSB in 2019. Mr. Doell got his start in the aviation industry in 1994, when after graduating from the Southern Institute of Technology, he began his career as an aircraft maintenance engineer. Mr. Doell worked primarily in the rotorcraft segment of the industry, and has some experience in general aviation and fixed wing commuter operations. His work took him all over western and northern Canada, ending up in the Edmonton area as the director of maintenance for a helicopter Approved Maintenance Facility. In 2011, Jared joined Transport Canada and worked as an inspector in the Airworthiness and Standards departments.
Mr. Doell also holds a private pilot’s licence and has had the opportunity to fly recreationally in Canada and the U.S.
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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.