Collision with terrain
Apex Helicopters Inc.
Bell 206B (helicopter), C-GGAS
Thamesford, Ontario
The occurrence
On 1 August 2025, a Bell 206B helicopter operated by Apex Helicopters Inc., with only the pilot on board, was conducting aerial spraying operations on a cornfield near Thamesford, Ontario, approximately six nautical miles northeast of London Airport, Ontario.
During a reversal of direction following a spray run, the helicopter began to yaw to the right, continued descending rapidly until it touched down. It then rolled onto its right side before coming to rest in a field of wheat stubble. A post-impact fire began almost immediately, and the emergency locator transmitter activated.
Two motorists driving nearby witnessed the crash, stopped, and assisted the pilot in exiting the wreckage. The pilot sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to hospital. The TSB is investigating.
Media materials
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.