Air transportation safety investigation A25P0041

Table of contents

    Collision with terrain
    Chinook Helicopters (1982) Ltd.
    Cessna 172S, C-GHCC
    Chilliwack Airport (CYCW), British Columbia, 28 NM ESE 

    The occurrence

    On 05 April 2025, a Cessna 172S operated by Chinook Helicopters (1982) Ltd. departed from Abbotsford Airport (CYXX), British Columbia, on a local visual flight rules training flight with an instructor and a student on board.

    While operating in mountainous terrain approximately 28 nautical miles east-southeast of Chilliwack Airport (CYCW), British Columbia, the aircraft collided with terrain, fatally injuring both occupants. The aircraft was destroyed on impact. The TSB is investigating.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    TSB to deploy a team of investigators following a fatal aircraft accident near Chilliwack, British Columbia

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A25P0041

    Collision with terrain
    Chinook Helicopters (1982) Ltd.
    Cessna 172S, C-GHCC
    Chilliwack Airport (CYCW), British Columbia, 28 NM ESE 

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    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

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.