Collision with terrain
Skyline Helicopters Ltd.
Agusta AW119 MKII , C-GSLY
Terrace, British Columbia, 21 NM NW
The occurrence
On , an Agusta AW119 MKII helicopter, owned by Skyline Helicopters Ltd., and leased to Northern Escape Heli Skiing, was conducting heli-ski operations approximately 21 nautical miles northwest of Terrace, British Columbia, with 1 pilot, 1 ski guide and 5 passengers on board.
During flight, the helicopter collided with the terrain and was destroyed. The emergency locator transmitter did not send a signal. Three helicopters conducting heli-ski operations nearby responded to the accident. The pilot, ski guide and 2 passengers were fatally injured, and the 3 other passengers sustained serious injuries. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
Deployment notice
TSB is deploying a team of investigators following a helicopter accident near Terrace, British Columbia
Richmond, British Columbia, 23 January 2024 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators on the site of a helicopter accident that occurred Monday, 22 January 2024 near Terrace, British Columbia. The TSB is gathering information and assessing the occurrence.
Investigation information
A24P0009
Collision with terrain
Skyline Helicopters Ltd.
Agusta AW119 MKII , C-GSLY
Terrace, British Columbia, 21 NM NW
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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.