Air transportation safety investigation A25W0084

Table of contents

    In-flight break-up and collision with terrain
    Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd.
    Bell Textron Inc. 206L-3
    Rae/Edzo Airport (CRE2), Northwest Territories, 5 NM NE

    The occurrence 

    On 14 July 2025, a Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd. Bell Textron Inc. 206L-3 helicopter was operating in the area around Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories, supporting tree planting operations.

    The helicopter was equipped with STC SH18-69 Van Horn Composite Main Rotor Blades (part number 20633000-101). On approach to deliver an external load of saplings, the helicopter experienced a main rotor blade (blue) separation. The helicopter subsequently collided with the terrain; there was no post-impact fire.

    The pilot, who was the only occupant on board, was fatally injured. The wreckage has been recovered and is in the possession of the TSB, which is investigating the occurrence.

    Media materials

    Deployment notice

    TSB is deploying a team of investigators following a helicopter accident near Behchoko, Northwest Territories

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    A25W0084

    In-flight break-up and collision with terrain
    Great Slave Helicopters 2018 Ltd.
    Bell Textron Inc. 206L-3
    Rae/Edzo Airport (CRE2), Northwest Territories, 5 NM NE

    Photos

    Figure 1. Wreckage at the accident site on 15 June 2025 near Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories (Source: TSB) Figure 2. Pieces of the fuselage and the main rotor blades (circled) at the accident site on 15 June 2025 near Behchokǫ̀, Northwest Territories (Source: TSB)

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    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

    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.